Roger Wayne Wells, 86, of Lexington, KY, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2025, of a heart attack.
He was born in Fayette County, KY on December 14, 1938, to Clarence Gudgell Wells and Grace Hatton Wells. He grew up in Lexington, along with his sisters, Betty Wells Slinker and Carolyn Wells, and his brother, William “Bill” Wells.
Roger graduated from Lafayette High School where he learned to play the trombone and was in the band. He was in the service, then was hired by IBM as a tool and die maker. He soon switched to their computer department and has loved computers ever since. He owned his own business, Blue Grass Data Processing, for over 10 years. He was a manager and programmer at various companies, but he liked programming the best. He helped design and code the program that allows police departments to share information across the country. At the time of his death, he was still computing and learning how to use AI.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served his church as a branch president twice, a bishop once, and as a counselor in the stake presidency. He was the local Stake Patriarch for over 25 years. He liked to do genealogy and to read, especially to his children and grandchildren. They all remember his Brer Rabbit stories and Calvin and Hobbes cartoons.
Roger is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Bill; his sister Betty; his daughter, Suan Wells Westover; and granddaughter, Ryane Michelle Westover. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Lucille Rakes Wells; a son, Dennis Wayne Wells (Terri); two daughters, Karlene Wells Browning (Jim); and Elaine Wells Standiford (Larry); Mike Westover, a son-in-law; a foster child, Joseph “Skip” Jump (Kim); and a foster niece, Patti Rakes. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: McKenna, Christopher, Melanie, Megan, Tara, Taylor, Michael, Thomas, L.J., Kim, Will and Andrew; and 16 great grandchildren: Carter, Lorenzo, Gabriella, Kaiden, Aspen, Brielle, Rayder, Rome, Kai, Rosie, Alex, Jacob, Oliver, Austin, Dylan, Kadi. He also has many cousins, nieces, and nephews. His family was his pride and joy.
His funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Latter-day Saint meeting house, 2459 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, KY 40509. A viewing will be held the same day and location from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Roger was a valiant Christian, a servant to his fellowman, and a hero to his friends and family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Special Olympics (https://www.specialolympics.org). Roger supported this because his beloved granddaughter, Ryane, had Down syndrome.
