Richard Eugene Wells

Richard Eugene Wells, 94, of Davenport, IA, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA.

Richard Wells was the son of Dempsey and Clara (Allen) Wells. He was born on December 14, 1930, and grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River in Port Byron, Illinois. Growing up, Richard's favorite pastimes were building landscapes and water features in the neighborhood creeks and tending his flower gardens. He would also mow and maintain his aunt's yards. In his spare time, Richard spent many hours in his rowboat on the Mississippi or ice skating in the winter. After graduating from Port Byron High School in 1948, Richard worked in the office at International Harvester while taking classes at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois.

In February 1951, Richard enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the 8th Infantry in Germany until 1954. Attaining the rank of Corporal in the Quartermaster Corps, he received the Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Ribbon.

Returning to the States after his military service, Richard enrolled in the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Botany. After graduation, he worked for a while as a government health inspector and in other positions before obtaining a job as an executive assistant in the offices of Somerset Importers/Canada Dry. While employed by Somerset in Chicago during the 1960s and 1970s, he spent time renovating a home in an Oak Park neighborhood filled with many Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes. Richard also enrolled in Roosevelt University in Chicago, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1972, and added counseling positions to his workload.

After many years in the "Big City", Richard returned to Port Byron to be closer to his parents and obtained a position as the Horticulturist at Vander Veer Park in Davenport, Iowa, putting his Botany degree to good use. From May 1976 through April 1995, Richard worked to promote the Park and gardening to the community. He instituted many educational programs, cooperated with and promoted gardening clubs, and established the Friends of Vander Veer organization to support the Park and Conservatory.  Bill Wundram of the Quad City Times on April 3, 1986, wrote:  "And if you are into things pretty and good-smelling, nothing's better than Vander Veer's spring flower show.  Better than anything in the past; even devoted city flower-ists like Meggie Heinz say so. Mountains of daisies and snaps.  Boss horticulturist Dick Wells should get a raise!"  In 1999, Richard's successor at the Park, Susan Anderson, wrote: "I'd also like to thank you for the visionary leadership you showed by establishing the Friends.  Vander Veer would be standing still without them."

Richard spent the years after his retirement tending and expanding his own gardens, hiking in local parks and forests, and helping others with their plants and gardens.  His legacy lives on in the abundance of plants that he propagated and the many gardeners he helped.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his memory page at mvcremation.com