Norlan Wells

Norlan Marcus Wells was born Nov. 3, 1929 in Beloit, Kansas, the fourth of seven children born to Marcus and Roena (Wildman) Wells.

He lived with his family in Beloit until 1942 when they moved to Zillah, Wash.

In 1947 while attending Zillah High School he met the love of his life, Kathleen Ruth Galloway whom he married Aug. 18, 1951 in Elizabeth City, north Carolina.

At the time of their marriage he was stationed in Norfolk, Virg. serving in the U.S. Navy aboard a destroyer, from 1948- 1952; the last year of that time in Korea.

After receiving his honorable discharge in1952 they moved to Seattle to start their family and pursue careers.

He began his career at The Boeing Co. as an apprentice and eventually earned his A & E (Aircraft & Engine) License. He worked for Boeing for 33 years before retiring in 1985. During those years he had the opportunity to travel and work in Norway for six months and Baghdad, Iraq for four years, as well as many places within the United States.

After retiring they built their dream home on beautiful Whidbey Island in September 1986.

They bought a motorhome and traveled the U.S. In 2002, he fulfilled one of his dreams by traveling the outer perimeter of the country in a three-month journey.

He also devoted some of his personal time to short term mission trips doing building projects with a team of other church members, taking him to Mexico four times, Costa Rica two times and Mozambique, Africa.

Norlan has been an active member of the Maxwelton Christian Fellowship since arriving on the Island in 1986, serving on many different committees. He was also an active member of South Whidbey Kiwanis for the last five years.

Norlan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 4, 2005 (one day after his 76th birthday) in Yuma, Ariz.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kay; three sons, Mike (Margie), Steve (Yvone), and Rick (Becky); eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren and one due to arrive in March 2006; four sisters, Norma Longtin and Neosha Roth both of Wapato, Wah., Neoma Ashlock of Rapid City, S.D., Nancy Bellamy of Indian Rock Beach, Fla.; and one brother, Noel Wells of Kent. One brother, Norman Wells, proceeded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Maxwelton Christian Fellowship.