Lasting Memories

David Russell Wells
April 26, 1931-July 29, 2017
Palo Alto, California

David Russell Wells, 86, died peacefully at home on July 29, 2017. David was born and raised in Palo Alto and remained a lifelong resident. He attended Lytton Elementary School (1938-1944), Jordan Middle School (1944-1947), Palo Alto High School (1947-1950) and Menlo College (1955-1956). David was in the U.S. Navy 1951-1954. He was in UA-125 Air Squadron at NAS Miramar. His squadron was deployed on the USS Oriskany and the USS Boxer during the Korean War. David was the son of James Bertrand Wells, a professor of engineering at Stanford University and also a graduate of Palo Alto High School (1907) and Claire French Humphries. David was the fourth of five sons -- Ted, Jack, Alan and Richard.

David worked 34 years for Hewlett Packard as an experimental machinist in HP Labs. He retired in 1990.

David was an avid automobile enthusiast. He raced his Chrysler 300 at the local drag strips and was a chief mechanic for a car that participated in the SCCA San Francisco Region. He owned nearly 50 cars in his lifetime and was often seen over the years driving around town in his 1941 Plymouth Business Coupe.

David loved spending time at his cabin in Lake Tahoe and for many years he took his family and friends out on his boat teaching them how to water-ski. He also loved fine wine and dining and made many trips down to Paso Robles over the years. David was also an expert on Palo Alto history was revered by his neighbors. We will miss his love of life and sense of humor.