Samuel Eugene (Gene) Wells passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023 and went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 87.

Gene was born July 18, 1936. He had a large family full of brothers and spent his life serving the Lord. Gene grew up in Alton, however, he lived most of his life in Vandalia, IL. He met his wife, Ginger, at SIUC, they were married June 28, 1959 and had two children.

Gene was influential in getting the YMCA started in Vandalia. He and his wife led a youth group for many years. Gene helped with the bus ministry and children's ministry at First Baptist Church for several years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Gene will be missed dearly by his friends and family however they know he is running on the streets of gold.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Ginger Augenstein Wells; son, Rick (Sherri) Wells; daughter, Traci (Daniel) Small; grandchildren, Stephanie (Chris) DuPlayee, Ashley (Mike) McCormick, Brandon Wells (Allison Stevens), Andrew (Savanna) Small, Brooklynn Small, and Carson Small; great-grandchildren, Christian, Faith, Justice and Olivia DuPlayee, Bennett, Harrison, and Elaina McCormick.

He was preceded in death by: His parents; son, Robin Shawn Wells; and brothers, Bill, Carol, John, Jim, Phillip, Dan, Neil and Tom Wells.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date with Pastor Joe Lawson officiating.