David Thomas Wells

Loving husband, proud father, dedicated soldier, lifetime friend, and Christian, David Thomas Wells, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at the age of 50. He leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years, Stephanie, and his three sons, Charlie, Sam and Alex.

D. Thomas lived his life with purpose. He was always a soldier at heart. He had a passion for travel leading the family on many adventures across the country to retrace the path of history. He completed a ½ Ironman, marathons & several triathlons. He had a mind for logistics and strategy which led him to a hobby of complex board games. He spoke his mind with direct honesty for which he earned great respect both personally and professionally.

Tom was a strong supporter and advocate of the Boy Scouts of America. He served as a mentor and Scout Master of the Cub Scout Pack 322. Tom was also a supporting Assistant Scout Master with Boy Scout Troop 322 and Troop 282.

Tom was born on June 16, 1968 in New York City, NY. He grew up in Brentwood, California with several years of his life spent with family in Decatur, Nebraska. Tom served his country honorably for over 21 years of service, retiring in 2007 as a Major from the Arizona Army National Guard.

Upon graduation from high school in 1986 Tom enlisted into the Regular Army where he served in Baumholder, Germany as an Engineer heavy equipment operator. In 1990, Tom joined the Arizona Army National Guard where he was immediately activated for service in Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm (2221st Quartermaster Company (PETRL)); supporting the 82nd Airborne Division along the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia / Iraq border. He returned to Arizona and went on to enroll in Arizona State University’s Army ROTC program, proudly earning his commission as a 2LT in the Corp of Engineers, Arizona Army National Guard. Tom was assigned to a variety of units which added Field Artillery and Military Intelligence branch qualifications; and, the Arizona National Guard Medal of Valor for Heroism and the 1997 Oscar Temple Officer of the Year awards. Tom’s various leadership and staff positions included Platoon Leader, Battalion Ammo Officer, Fire Direction Officer, Fire Support Officer, Battalion S-4, Company Commander, and Mobilization Readiness Officer, 98th Troop Command. In 2003, as Commander of the 259th Engineer Co, Tom was activated in support of Operation Noble Eagle III, providing force protection to Fort Huachuca’s Provost Marshall’s office. Tom’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star.

In 1995, Tom earned a degree in Construction Management from Arizona State University. Over the course of his civilian career Tom worked as the Director of Engineering for the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, and in various engineer and project management roles with Pinnacle One and G R Walton General Contractors. With Perini Corporation he took pride in such projects as The Big Dig in Boston, and the Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix. At the time of his passing, Tom was a Senior Project Manager with Haydon Building Corp. He oversaw all aspects of multiple construction projects while with Haydon during the last 15 years and had obtained professional certifications including Design-Build and LEED accreditation.

Tom is also survived by his mother, Janice Byram Wells, and brother, John Wells. In addition, he is survived by loving in-laws, military comrades, and a host of long-time friends.

A memorial visitation and viewing will take place on Friday, March 8th from 3pm-7pm at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, 400 South Power Road in Mesa. A Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Community Church, 1380 E. Guadalupe Road in Gilbert, on Saturday, March 9th beginning at 11am. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. There will be an open Reception to follow the Service at the Wells' home between 1-3 pm.

Tom may have been the most fiscally responsible man we all know and his greatest joy in life was his family. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to contribute towards the Wells boys’ college funds. A dedicated account has been established through: BBVA Compass Bank (Routing No. 122105744 / Acct 6768928795)

Alternatively, please consider a charitable donation made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Per his fellow soldies, if you wanted to know Major Wells read the American Soldier’s Creed.

I am an American Soldier.

I am a warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.