Billy G. Wells

Billy (Bill) G. Wells, 90, of Linton, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Greene County General Hospital. He was born September 5, 1925 in Lyons, Indiana to Claude and Bonnie (Hatfield) Wells. In January 23, 1992 he married Sherrill Clodfelder, a devoted wife and mother. Billy graduated from Lyons High School in 1943. He immediately served his country from December 6, 1943 to May 3, 1946 in the U.S. Army’s 75th Infantry Division in England, France, Belgium and Germany. Billy was in the Battle of the Bulge, and later he was wounded in the Colmar Pocket. He was taken to the 2nd General Hospital in Nancy, France and later to Warwickshire, England to recuperate. For his service to our nation in World War II, Bill was the recipient of a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, and numerous other medals. In 2007 and as lasting gratitude by the government of France, Billy received the distinguished Knight of the French Legion of Honour Medal for his help in liberating France from German occupation. As a veteran, Billy was recognized as the 75th Division World War II Man of the Year Award in 2011. He was always proud of his service and reflected that for a “backward country kid from a small town in Indiana” that he “had enough good times, made a lot of friends (American and foreign), saw a lot of cities, countries, and country-sides to make up for the bad times.” Billy was the consummate fisherman throughout his life but also enjoyed exploring America by car and travel trailer with Sherrill, especially the American West and its related history. He was a dedicated family historian, spending countless hours tracing the roots of the Hatfield and Wells families. Billy is survived by his wife, Sherrill, and the following children: Stephen (Bethany) Wells of Socorro, New Mexico; Claudia Susan (Jeremiah) Young of Bloomington, Indiana; Lauri Wells of Woodbridge, Virginia; and Cindy (Kevin) Pedigo of Bedford, Indiana. He was step-father to: Debra (Brian) Potter of Akron, Indiana; Peggy (Donald) Roberts of Sarasota, Florida; David Clodfelder of Punta Gorda, Florida; and Dan Clodfelder (deceased). Billy is survived by 4 grandchildren, Christopher Wells, Caitlin (Austin) Petring, Nicole Young, and Zachery Young as well as 5 step-grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his sisters, Helen Gregory, Lorene Minella, Thelma Wright and Nora Shepherd. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 21, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Lester Jenkins & Sons Funeral Home in Lyons, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, July 22 at the Lester Jenkins & Sons Funeral Home in Lyons. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made either to the NJROTC Bloomfield, Indiana; the Greene County Historical Society; or the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made sent to www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.

Billy G. Wells

September 5, 1925 - July 14, 2016