Lieutenant Colonel Robert M. “Bob” Wells (Ret United States Air Force) died at his home Sept. 2, 2017.

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years Deborah Wells, his children Cindy Wiktor of New Braunfels, Texas, Cheryl Patterson and her husband, Larry of Dallas Texas, his stepdaughers Bridgette Kifer and her husband Doug of Summerville, Wendy Davis and her husband, David of Summerville, Holly Poe of Beaufort, South Carolina, and his brother, Dan Wells and his wife, Mary Beth of Jackson, Oregon.

He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren Ashlee Carter and her husband Brandon, Christopher Kifer, Samantha Wiktor, Landon Poe and his wife Sree, James Patterson, Tatum Wells, Emily Kifer, Jimmy Davis, Hannah Poe, Ashton Davis, Hunter Kifer, Willy Patterson and his great grandchildren Campbell Carter and Conrad Carter.

He is preceded in death by his parents Nelson and Ann Wells of Wooster, Ohio, and his sister Sara Ike of Grove City, Ohio.

Bob was born on March 2, 1940 in Bluffton, Ohio. He grew up on a farm near Beaverdam, and graduated from Bluffton High School. He received a B.S. degree from The Baptist College of Charleston.

Bob joined the United States Air Force in 1961 and was trained as a navigator. He was a recipient of many commendations including the Air Force Commendation Medal for his command of airlift operations in Grenada, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his command of the airlift control element recovering the victims of the Jonestown Massacre in Guyana, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions under enemy fire in Vietnam.

He retired from the Air Force in 1984 after 23 years of service. He subsequently retired in 2005 after 19 years in the Civil Service at Charleston Air Force Base.

He was an active member of the local Disabled American Veterans Swamp Fox #17 chapter, a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, and a supporter of the local Frances Willis SPCA. 

Interrment is at Beaufort National Cemetery, in Beaufort, South Carolina, on Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow for friends and family.

 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wounded Warrior Project online in memory of Robert M. Wells.

Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com