Leslie Wells

Leslie L. Wells, a life well-lived (1941-2025) Our cherished father & grandfather, of Centralia, IL, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by his loving family, who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of J.C. Wells and Elizabeth (Fultz) Wells. He married the love of his life Melva (Wheeler) Wells on September 4, 1965, they built a family and life filled with love & cherished moments. He was a proud devoted father to Trinetta (James) Beasley, Justin Wells, Stacy (Brad) Kleeman, Christie (Tim) Paddock, & Amanda (Daniel) Novak. He cherished children, especially his Grandchildren Brittany (Beasley) Ragland, Jessica (Wells) Hull, Vanessa (Wells) White, Kyle Kleeman, Ryan Kleeman, Reid Kleeman, Travis Carter, Candace (Carter) Wittenberg, Natalie Novak, Allison Novak, & Rebecca Novak; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother John (Linda) Wells and several nephews and nieces. Leslie built a remarkable life defined by his boundless kindness and unwavering dedication to God, family, friends, church, and community. He was a technician for National Cash Register until Retirement in 2000, then enjoyed his retirement jobs at Hillcrest Cemetery & 2nd Chance Auto. When he wasn’t working, he loved to garden, cut wood, or simply be with nature. His strong work ethic was matched only by his generous spirit. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back, and his warm, infectious laugh made any gathering feel like home. You could always count on hearing “Ho, Ho, Ho” on random occasions as the little one’s look and question could he be Santa? Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife , daughter: Trinetta (Wells) Beasley, son: Justin Wells, grandson: Kyle Kleeman, sister: Rebecca (Wells) Chance, and brother: Carroll Wells. His family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him will deeply miss his kindness, humor, and unwavering love. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. The Funeral Service will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia with Pastor Jimmie Fitzjerrells officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In honor of his love for the innocence of children, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Pregnancy Care Center and the Illinois Baptist Children's Home, they will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801. (618)532-3523, who is honored to serve Les’s Family during this time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.

Leslie Wells

February 21, 1941 - September 15, 2025