Arthur L. Wells

Arthur Lee Wells Jr., 80, of South Bend, Indiana was born on April 23, 1940, to the late Mattie Mae (Hymon) Wells and Arthur Lee Wells Sr. in Drew, Mississippi.

Arthur served in the United States Army, where he was honorably discharged. After working several manufacturing jobs, he decided to exercise his entrepreneurial spirit and opened a clothing store in downtown South Bend, a pool hall on the southeast side of South Bend, and bought several properties in the South Bend area, among other business ventures.

Arthur is known for his high IQ (once testing at a score of 140) and sarcastic sense of humor that would often catch people off-guard. He also had a gift for words of wisdom, quick wit, and interesting sayings. When asked how he was doing he would often say, “Fair for a square, po’ for a pro!” Arthur was a fearless and courageous man with a quick temper that was balanced by his kind heart. He would often give food and money to those less fortunate and has been known to literally give the shirt off his back and the shoes off his feet.

Arthur loved music and in his younger years played bass as a member of a “garage band” that included several of his close friends. Some of his favorite recording artists included Al Green, Marvin Gaye, the Isley Brothers, Sly Stone, Parliament, and Bootsy. Arthur was legendary for being fiercely protective of the people he cared about and loved. Often going to great lengths to ensure that no harm would come to them. Any perceived threats were taken care of at once. Arthur leaves to cherish his memory, the “love of his life,” Pearl, with whom he had eight children: Jannifer (William) Crittendon, Beverly (Perry) Donaldson, Arthur Lee Wells III, Terrance Wells, Andre (Allison) Wells, Debera (Marc) Hepburn, Cassandra Wells, and Tasha Wells. Children born into other relationships include Darlene (Michael) Wells-Franklin and Karla (Brian) Wells-Jackson. Also cherishing his memory are his siblings: Rosie (Virgil) Moore, Wiley Wells, Delores (Archie) Brown, and Albert Wells. Additionally, are special friends Mary Russell and Linda & Arthur “Sonny” Bell; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him in death are his parents Arthur and Mattie; and Brothers Frank, Aaron, and Andrew. Arthur was deeply loved by his family, relatives, and friends and will be greatly missed.

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