Morgan Wells, 85 years of age, of Axtell, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020, at his home.
He was born on July 27, 1934, to Dale and Ethel (Elm) Wells in Minden, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm near Axtell and attended Axtell Community School. He graduated with the class of 1952, and during his high school years he was active in all sports, receiving many awards, including being State Football Champions.
Morgan attended college at UNL to play football and was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. His sophomore year, he transferred to Kearney State Teacher’s College to play football for the Loper’s.
In 1955, Morgan was united in marriage to Shirley Thurston and to this union 3 children were born: Sheree, Scott and Stacy.
In 1957, Morgan was inducted into the United States Army and was stationed in Olympia, Washington for two years. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Axtell where he spent his life farming, first with his dad, then with his son, and grandson.
Morgan loved sports, whether he was playing, coaching, or watching his children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren. He was an avid golfer, bridge player, coin collector and Nebraska football fan.
Throughout his life, Morgan was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, ushering and serving on the board. He was also a Board Member of the Axtell CO-OP. In 1975, he was elected to the Board of Directors for the First National Bank in Minden, (First Bank and Trust Co.) where he served for 43 ½ years.
Morgan married Connie (Cole) Luke of Kearney in 1987. The couple lived in Axtell and were married for nine years until Connie’s death.
Morgan will be remembered for his fun, generous personality. He enjoyed teasing, joking, betting on everything, as well as “flipping a quarter” with anyone that would play. He loved his family and friends, and treasured their time together. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest!
He was preceded in death by: his parents; two wives: Shirley and Connie; and his son, Scott.
Morgan is survived by: his daughters Sheree Bacus of Lincoln (Brad Regier); and Stacy Osborn of Kearney (Jim Linder); daughter-in-law, Celeste Wells of Axtell; five grandchildren: Matt Wells and his wife, Sara of Axtell; Brandt Bacus and his wife, Mandy of Scottsdale, Arizona; Michelle Jura and her husband, Dusty of Axtell; Jared Bacus and his wife, Anya of Phoenix, Arizona; and James Osborn of Kearney; 10 great-grandchildren: Nolan, Adelyn and Harrison Wells; Yale and Hoyt Bacus; Eva, Jude and Eli Jura; and Hanna and Lincoln Bacus. Additional survivors include: Chuck Bacus of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Linda Hellman of Denver, Colorado; brother-in-law, Bill Thurston of Kearney; nieces: Stephanie Hellman, Mindy (Pierre) Hellman and Casey Piper, all of Colorado; nephews: Craig (Kim) and Todd (Cheryl) Thurston of Kearney; and special caregivers: Kay Nelson, Liza Miller, Joanne Barwick and Dana Petit. A special thank you to all the Hospice staff for their excellent care: Dawn, Tami and Kelly.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska; per CDC guidelines to the recommendation of 10 people or less in the facility at one time.
Due to current health concerns with COVID-19; Graveside Celebration of Life Service and interment for Morgan Wells will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Axtell, Nebraska.
The family asks you to bring your lawn chair, observe appropriate physical distancing and sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Morgan’s services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. Morgan’s services will be live-streamed via both the Axtell Trinity Lutheran Church’s Facebook page and the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
A memorial has been established in Morgan’s name and kindly suggested to the Axtell Trinity Lutheran Church or the Axtell Fire Department.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com.