Cloyd Dean Wells, 90, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, July 22, 2024, at his home. He was born July 12, 1934, in Chester, West Virginia, to Cloyd and Mamie Wells.
When Dean was 17, he made the courageous decision to join the United States Navy right after graduation. He served on the USS Essex during the Korean War from 1952-1955. After his honorable discharge, Dean earned his GI bill and attended Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, where he graduated with a master’s degree.
Dean married the love of his life, Diana Hunt, in 1959. They moved to Paw Paw in 1964. Dean and Diana shared 58 wonderful years together until her passing in 2017.
He began his teaching career in Delta, Ohio before moving to Paw Paw. As a teacher, football and track coach, friend and a member of this village he was able to inspire and be inspired by so many. He was a mentor to many in the community and was appointed as the Community Education director in 1968, where he served for over 20 years. He coordinated night school, adult education classes and summer activities.
In 1978, Dean proudly founded the Happy Hoofer Marathon Team, along with his best buddies, Pete D’Arienzo, Tom Laginess and George Ortegon. Throughout the years many more joined the Hoofers, and many friendships were made. He ran marathons in Boston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Detroit, St. Louis, Columbus, Minneapolis and many more. Every weekend there was a new race in a different town to attend. Dean had these words of encouragement that he shared with his running mates while training for marathons, “It’s only a marathon.” “I’ve run many marathons; I have only run three or four of them well.” “We don’t want to lay too much on the line, failure will not be the end of the world.” And as they say in Annie: “The sun will come out tomorrow.” Dean ran over 75,000 miles in his lifetime, which is equal to the distance around the world at the equator at least three times!
He is survived by his son, Wesley (Catherine) Wells, Cynthia (Clay) Giuffria and Jennifer (Jay) Kure; grandchildren, Trisha, James, Rachel and Alexander; and great-grandchildren, Aurora, Belle and Asher, all of whom he adored.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his beautiful loving wife, Diana Jayne (Hunt) Wells; sisters, Naomi, Louise and Lola and brother, Bernard.
The family extends and invitation for friends to a Celebration of Life at the family home, Sept. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.
In honor of Dean’s passion for community education and love of music, please consider a memorial contribution to Luc’s Light Youth Music & Arts Foundation.
Share a memory or sign the online guestbook at adamspawpaw.com
