Thomas E. Wells

Thomas (Tom) Eugene Wells, 85, of Dover, passed on peacefully to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on August 28^th, 2023. Tom’s senior yearbook quote next to his picture was “I take life as it comes, and if it doesn’t come, I take it anyway.” Years later he would say, “yeah, that’s about right.”

Tom lived a full life, and as with us all, it was full of adventures and misadventures, but he rolled with the punches and lived on his terms, and in the process, did more than his share of good and honorable things. People of a certain age, in particular, in the Uhrichsville/Dennison area will remember him as a fair and understanding Policeman for the Uhrichsville PD, a longtime coach for youth football and baseball, and a former member of the Elks. He was a protector, coach, and friend to his Twin City community he was born and raised in.

Tom was instrumental in starting the youth football program in Uhrichsville coaching the “Westside Raiders”, but his true passion was little league baseball. Although he coached many teams over 20 years, many may remember him as the longtime coach for Spring Electric. Tom loved coaching the youth of his community and maintained contact with several former players his entire life.

Being a policeman in the same small community he was raised in was no small feat, as he was a firsthand witness to the trials and tragedies that befall those he knew well. It is a large responsibility to take on, and Tom did so with thoughtful compassion and an ability to listen and reason with those in life’s most trying situations. Tom witnessed all the difficult things most of us are spared and did so with grace.

Tom had a fantastic sense of humor not for the faint of heart. He was a funny Dad that made goofy faces and mischievous lyrics to songs. He was never inhibited about expressing his love for his family and did so often. He was a dedicated and lifelong fan of the Indians, and passionate about his beloved Browns. He was also a longtime member of the First Church of God at New Philadelphia.

Tom will be missed deeply by his friends and family, and in particular his loving and dedicated wife, Patricia (Pat). Tom’s passing was preceded by his parents, Betty and Robert McCoy, and his brothers Richard (Dick) McCoy and Russel (Rusty) McCoy.  Missing him are his wife Patricia Wells, his children: Sharon (Norman) Burrier of Uhrichsville, Monica Morrison of Strasburg, Connie (Robert) Ciekanski of Strasburg, Kyle (Tracy) Wells of New Phila, Richard Wells of Chandler, Az., Gregory Wells of Dayton, OH, Tanner (Rachel) Wells of Copley, OH, and Stepdaughter Mandy (Bill) Alderman. Grandchildren: Farrah, Amber, Derrick, Jeffrey, Matthew, Megan, Maura, Mason, Emily, Mara-Jade, Kayden, Gabriel, Carter, Laney, and several great-grandchildren.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation care is to be provided by the Geib Funeral Center at Dover and a celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 beginning at 2 PM in the First Church of God at New Philadelphia.