Fred L. Wells

Fred (Butch) Leslie Wells, 82, of Mardela Springs passed away Friday, October 6, 2023, at his home. He was born in Limestone, New York on December 5, 1940, the son of the late Edgar and Arlene (Zahniser) Wells. Fred proudly served his country in the USAF during Vietnam, where he honed his skills as a hydraulic mechanic. He worked at LESREC, also known locally as the U of MD Vegetable Research Farm, for 33 years and retired in 2003. Friends and colleagues remember him as an amazing man, skilled beyond belief in so many ways, especially in the mechanics of anything that moves with the uncanny ability to fix anything. After retirement Fred operated Wells Berry Farms and Market and enjoyed setting up at markets around Delmarva to sell his produce. He will be sorely missed by his caregiver and “Berry Friend”, Mary Saulsbury. He is remembered for his wonderful smile and sense of humor, his unmatched work ethic, and his love for people. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Rosemary Wells; brother, Ned Wells; and sisters, Edna Dorrell, Louise Long and Marjorie Cool. Surviving Fred are two step-daughters, Cimarron Rose Sexton of Salisbury and Theresa D. Crockett and husband, Bryan of Mardela Springs; step-son, Reuben Daniel “R.D.” Calder, Sr. and wife, Vivian of Mardela Springs; four grandchildren, Chad Leslie Crockett (fiancée, Lyndsey Gerstle), R. Dan Calder, Jr. (Ashley), Kelly E. Elliott (Joshua) and Leslie Rose Williams (Moxie); eight great grandchildren, Cayli A. Crockett, R. Daniel Calder, III, River Chase Calder, Avery Marie Calder, Reed Wyatt Calder, Tina Rose Elliott, Tiffany A. Elliott, Luna Rose Williams, and Vincent Ray Williams; a sister, Edith Wells Short; and several nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, and also on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00, followed by the funeral service which begins at 1:00 p.m. The Reverend Mark Massey will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Springhill Memory Gardens near Hebron. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Mardela Springs Vol. Fire Co, P.O. Box 299, Mardela Springs, MD 21837. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Fred L. Wells

December 5, 1940 - October 6, 2023