of Benton, AR
December 28, 1948 - April 22, 2021
Dennis Marlin Wells, 72, a resident of Benton, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021, at his home with his loving family by his side.
Dennis was born December 28, 1948, in Ft. Smith to Pete and Lorene (Howard) Wells. He was a 1966 graduate of Southside High School and earned a Bachelor's degree from Arkansas Tech University as well as a Masters of Psychology from Texas Tech University. Dennis was a Licensed Psychological Examiner and his career in mental health spanned more than 45 years. His work impacted others in countless ways. He spent the last 25 years of his career as the Director of GAIN incorporated, the first Assertive Community Treatment program in Arkansas. Dennis' dream was to help those who have been disenfranchised from the mental health care system and to treat those who have needs that others seem unable to address. He considered his work in the mental health profession a calling and was dedicated to making sure that ALL people had a voice and knew they had worth. He was especially devoted to work with veterans. His passion for his work and his compassion for others were true gifts to his clients, co-workers and all who knew him.
Though Dennis was dedicated to his work, the true joys of his life were his family and friends. He dearly loved his ''girls'' and his son-in-law, John. Every person who was lucky enough to know Dennis benefitted from his caring nature, listening ear, kind heart and great laugh. He loved nature, the outdoors, and visiting the national parks. Dennis took every chance he had to go fly fishing on the Little Red River, in Alaska, and Costa Rica. His annual pheasant hunting trips with his lifelong friend, Glenn Adams, were a highlight and the source of many stories. He was never without one of his beloved spaniels by his side. He carried on the family tradition of loyalty to the Razorbacks and was a basketball player in both high school and college. His wife knew her husband's deep love for her, his daughters felt their father's keen pride in them, and his granddaughters understood that they were the apples of his eye.
Left to cherish the memories they shared with Dennis are his wife of 43 years, Anne Smith Wells of Benton; daughter, Lindsey Wells of Benton, daughter Julie Council and husband, John of Fayetteville, granddaughters Olivia and Lily Council, his brother Shannon Wells and his wife Delores, of Ft. Smith, as well as a host of other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Lorene Wells of Fort Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation with family immediately afterward, in the Chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton.
Masks are encouraged due to the high-risk category of many of our guests.
Memorials may be given to the GAIN Assertive Community Treatment Home patient fund at Gaininc.org.
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22 Condolence(s)
David Wait
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
I'm so sad to hear of Dennis' passing. I had the incredibly blessing of working with him in starting GAIN and in it's first 10 years. He was a good, wise, smart, and loving man and a truly great leader. He truly and deeply cared about all he met. His actions spoke even louder than his very kind, wise words. My life was made much richer by having the honor of working with him during that time. My condolences to his lovely family and many well deserved friends.
Jane Feldman Kramer
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Anne,
I know it’s been a very long time since we were in touch. I am so very sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you.
Jane
Tom Kramer
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
What a loss. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Dennis at GAIN for almost 5 years, and he made me a better psychiatrist and a better manager. I think of him often and miss him already.
Vicki Daley
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Dear Wells Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Dennis was a wonderful person and supervisor. He will be sorely missed. His warm spirit and infectious smile was a joy to all who knew him. May God be with you during your time of sorrow. With sympathy and prayers.ðŸ™ðŸ¾Vicki
Eugene Meyer
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Dennis was a great leader and a excellent man. He helped many during his career and was dedicated to the betterment of mankind. He is truly missed as my boss, as I had the privilege of working with him for more than 20 years at GAIN, Inc where I enjoyed getting to know as a mentor and a friend.
Lisa Kessler
Monday, April 26, 2021
Anne, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my heart is with you. Love, Lisa
Cecily Rye
Monday, April 26, 2021
Dear Anne and family,
Dennis was one of my heros and a great joy to work with. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I am holding you and your family in my heart.
Larry Miller
Monday, April 26, 2021
Dear Anne and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dennis. He put up a courageous battle and you were his cheerleader/nurse on this journey.
I truly enjoyed working with Dennis. He keenly understood the nature of and need for partnerships. I think that he and I developed that between GAiN and ASH. He was dedicated to our patient population and took his work seriously but not himself. He enriched everyone’s lives who knew him.
My deepest condolences to you.
Anthony Jackson
Monday, April 26, 2021
Anne, I am so sorry for the loss that you and your family have experienced. We are praying for you and your family. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
Jim Gregory
Monday, April 26, 2021
RIP Dennis, you will be missed by all who knew you.
Matthew Hawk
Monday, April 26, 2021
Brother Dennis...you will be missed. Dennis was a huge part of my life growing up, a mentor, a friend, and always a guy who enjoyed a good laugh. You will be missed. A big hug to Anne, Lindsay, and Julie. - Matt Hawk
Marcia Luhn
Monday, April 26, 2021
There aren’t enough words to describe the impact Jake has had on the lives of my family. Laughter, advice , letters, trips. I always knew when John was talking to him on the phone because of the laughter I heard from the second floor of the house. He will be greatly missed.
Mike Worley
Monday, April 26, 2021
What a great guy. His combination of dedication to people, determination and compassion was unique. Going to miss that great laugh.
Bunny Adcock
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Deeply saddened to learn of Jake's passing. He was a great friend and classmate at Tech.
Dee Smith
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Dennis will live forever with family and with the innumerable people he helped through struggles when no one else was there for them. Well done brother!
Sheila Duncan
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Anne, I am so sorry to learn of Dennis’ passing. When I think about behavioral health treatment in Arkansas, you and Dennis were the first to stand out. You both were so dedicated to adult and children’s mental health, and were two precious people who devoted your lives to improving mental health services and programs in the state. I will always love you and Dennis. Many comforting prayers to all of you........
Lisa Copeland
Sunday, April 25, 2021
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. I, like you, have many. Dennis was an amazing man and an inspiration to me. I will continue to carry on his mission of helping the mentally ill and can easily say he was one of the few best bosses I have ever had the pleasure of working for. He taught me so very much about that shared passion and just life in general. He was always there. I’ll always smile remembering those annual institutes in Hot Springs and (laughs) that night Bonnie Raitt played on the River! To his family, I’m truly saddened and can’t begin to ease your pain, but hope you find comfort in knowing he will always be loved and remembered by myself and so many others. Godspeed.....Lisa Mellas-Copeland
Brian Mallette
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Good Lord... what to say about this fine man...each time I spent with Jake was brief, but exponential in matters of substance. I used to pull cheek muscles because we laughed so hard. He always gave a calm, soothing presence anywhere he went, and with whomever he spoke with. His wisdom was beyond his years and his love for his family became a model for many of us “Dads.†He will always be with us, and heaven will be a better place because of him.
Our Love to all...
Brian, Claudia, Nathan, Gianna
Jim Hogg
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Ann and Family,
It’s been many years but I was a Cavalier Brother of Jake’s at Arkansas Tech! I was deeply saddened to learn of his death. He was a good man and I remember many fun times we had together at Tech! Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Ed Stafford
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Rest in peace, Dennis. I loved my association with GAIN and getting to know you... you were so helpful to me in starting my career. Lots if prayers... Ed
Doug & Jodee Sellers
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Dennis (Jake) was a wonderful, kind and caring person. It was an honor to have known him and to have spent time fly fishing with him. He is gone way too soon.
Charlotte Carlson
Saturday, April 24, 2021
My heart felt sympathies to you, Anne & girls.