David Vard Wells, age 70, passed away on May 4, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on July 13, 1955, in Price, Utah to Nathanial “Vard” Wells and Willadeen “Billie” Miller Wells.
David lived a life defined by service, devotion, and love of the Lord. He had a gift for seeing what something could become and then working patiently until it was better, stronger, or more beautiful. Every home he lived in carried his touch- not only through the projects he built and improved, but through the warmth and welcome he created for family and friends. He enjoyed building, repairing, and designing, but he was most happy when serving and helping other people.
More than anything, David loved his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Edna, and together they built a marriage of 51 years centered on faith, hard work, laughter, and unwavering commitment. He was a steady and loving father, and grandfather whose influence will continue through the lives of his children and grandchildren.
David formed lasting friendships wherever he went. He had a way of making people feel valued, capable, and included. He especially loved adventure and the outdoors, creating memories through deer hunting trips, cliff rappelling, white water rafting, hiking, and countless experiences shared with family and friends.
His faith in Jesus Christ guided every part of his life. He served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings, including bishop twice, member of a stake presidency, counselor in a mission presidency, and ward mission leader. Though he never served a full-time mission in the traditional sense, it remained one of the desires of his heart, and those who knew him recognized that he spent his entire life doing missionary work through his example, teaching, service, and love for others.
David also loved Scouting and devoted many years to mentoring young men and serving in Wood Badge leadership. He was honored with the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his distinguished service.
For the past 13 years, David worked as a project manager for the Church, a role that suited both his talents and his desire to serve.
Even in later years, when physical limitations slowed him, his spirit never weakened. He remained thoughtful, engaged, optimistic, and devoted to the people and principles he loved most.
David was preceded in death by his father, Vard Wells, and his granddaughter, Violet Wells.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Edna Wells; his children, Andrea (Don) Francis, JaNae (Scott) Freedland, Jon (Kim) Wells, Maria (Dan) Estock, Rachel (Miles) Ertel, and Jeremy (Sarah) Wells; 31 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
His family and friends will remember him as a man who improved everything around him- homes, communities, friendships, and lives- and whose legacy of faith, service, and love will continue for generations.
A funeral service will be held at
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
618 South Signal Butte Rd
Mesa, AZ 85207
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2pm with a viewing beginning at 1pm.
We love Dave! He will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful mentor, example, and friend to me. I always felt better about myself when I was around him. Suzanne and I will forever be grateful for all he did to raise our dear son-in-law, Jeremy. I know his legacy will live on through the lives of the amazing Wells family. Blessings to all of you.
My brother-in-law, Dave will be missed .I always loved his company, especially one on one, but also at the numerous family reunions we had over the years…..he had time for everyone..always, and would give you a lift or lend a hand whenever it was needed . Dave…I ,for one , will miss you…as will many others in our families. I’m sure you’ll be welcomed at your next destination!!!!!
Our Love to the Wells family.
– the Freemans
condolences to edna and the rest of the family. rest in peace old friend
rest in peace old friend
The man is a legend in the Spokane WA North Stake and former 13th Ward!
The first time my husband and I met him, he was looking for a home in Spokane for his family, trying to decide where to live. When he left after dinner, we looked at each other and both said “he’s going to be our next bishop!”
He was (is) a good man, a good bishop and a good friend. He left a great impact on my family. His hand was in the improvements in parts of my home and his kindness and compassion were contagious. Now he’s probably working on a Celestial home for Edna! Love and condolences to the family.
Janae, so sorry to hear this. Your dad was well – loved wherever he went. A big hug goes out to your mom! I am sure he is already busy on the other side.
My condolences, to Edna and all the family. I have come to knowl Dave as a friend, more that just a business associate. David and I share a love for Hatch Chilies, I will always think of him when I roast another batch, and when August comes around and we had already planed to get some more bags of chilies.
David’s love for his family, his faith in Jesus Christ has always be evident in everything he said.
I am certain that he is smiling down on the obvious gather of his family.
Sending love to the whole Wells family!! We’re so sad to hear of this loss, and praying you feel comfort at this rough time.
I remember when Dan was a counselor in the Stake Presidency while Leanna and I were raising our children. I am thankful for his teachings, love, and faith in Jesus Christ.
To the Wells family I am sorry for your loss and you will be in my prayers.
My sincerest condolences to your entire family. David is a lovely man.
So many memories! We are thankful for years of friendship and serving together in the North Stake…which will always be our home ward. We pray that God’s tender mercies will bring comfort and peace.
Our deepest condolences and love for his family. David was a wonderful man who treated everyone with kindness and compassion. I loved working with him and just being around him.
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our prayers are with you. We (especially Brent) have fond memories of growing up with the cousins. We love you.
What a good mine. I also enjoyed my conversations and time spent with Dave!
I’m one of the people who was mentored and taught by example by Dave. He was fantastic to work with and had a deep love of his work. He will be deeply missed!
Condolences to the Wells family. There is so much love for your family. Dave will always be Bishop Wells to me. He was a huge influence on me and all the youth he served during my formative teen years. He had contagious positivity and fun energy. And there was so much tenderness in that big man. He is so special. He leaves a great legacy in all his kids who are also amazing people.
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community
We love Dave! He will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful mentor, example, and friend to me. I always felt better about myself when I was around him. Suzanne and I will forever be grateful for all he did to raise our dear son-in-law, Jeremy. I know his legacy will live on through the lives of the amazing Wells family. Blessings to all of you.
My brother-in-law, Dave will be missed .I always loved his company, especially one on one, but also at the numerous family reunions we had over the years…..he had time for everyone..always, and would give you a lift or lend a hand whenever it was needed . Dave…I ,for one , will miss you…as will many others in our families. I’m sure you’ll be welcomed at your next destination!!!!!
Our Love to the Wells family.
– the Freemans
condolences to edna and the rest of the family. rest in peace old friend
rest in peace old friend
The man is a legend in the Spokane WA North Stake and former 13th Ward!
The first time my husband and I met him, he was looking for a home in Spokane for his family, trying to decide where to live. When he left after dinner, we looked at each other and both said “he’s going to be our next bishop!”
He was (is) a good man, a good bishop and a good friend. He left a great impact on my family. His hand was in the improvements in parts of my home and his kindness and compassion were contagious. Now he’s probably working on a Celestial home for Edna! Love and condolences to the family.
Janae, so sorry to hear this. Your dad was well – loved wherever he went. A big hug goes out to your mom! I am sure he is already busy on the other side.
My condolences, to Edna and all the family. I have come to knowl Dave as a friend, more that just a business associate. David and I share a love for Hatch Chilies, I will always think of him when I roast another batch, and when August comes around and we had already planed to get some more bags of chilies.
David’s love for his family, his faith in Jesus Christ has always be evident in everything he said.
I am certain that he is smiling down on the obvious gather of his family.
Sending love to the whole Wells family!! We’re so sad to hear of this loss, and praying you feel comfort at this rough time.
I remember when Dan was a counselor in the Stake Presidency while Leanna and I were raising our children. I am thankful for his teachings, love, and faith in Jesus Christ.
To the Wells family I am sorry for your loss and you will be in my prayers.
My sincerest condolences to your entire family. David is a lovely man.
So many memories! We are thankful for years of friendship and serving together in the North Stake…which will always be our home ward. We pray that God’s tender mercies will bring comfort and peace.
Our deepest condolences and love for his family. David was a wonderful man who treated everyone with kindness and compassion. I loved working with him and just being around him.
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our prayers are with you. We (especially Brent) have fond memories of growing up with the cousins. We love you.
What a good mine. I also enjoyed my conversations and time spent with Dave!
I’m one of the people who was mentored and taught by example by Dave. He was fantastic to work with and had a deep love of his work. He will be deeply missed!
Condolences to the Wells family. There is so much love for your family. Dave will always be Bishop Wells to me. He was a huge influence on me and all the youth he served during my formative teen years. He had contagious positivity and fun energy. And there was so much tenderness in that big man. He is so special. He leaves a great legacy in all his kids who are also amazing people.