Rex Durland Wells

Rex D. Wells, age 83, passed away on March 21, 2026. Born in Elmira, NY on January 10, 1943, to Arlene “Arlie” nee Ayers and Durland H. Wells. Loving husband to Jan D. Wells for 58 years after meeting on a blind date for New Year’s Eve in 1962. He is survived by his wife Jan of Chester, MD, Son Garth (Christine nee Jacquette, Rock Hall) of Kent Island, MD, Brother Christopher of Santa Fe, NM, Nephews Frej of Sweden and the late Chalo of Santa Fe, NM, Nephews and Nieces Chris, John, Jenny, Sarah and Amanda, Nikki and Krissi and their families, his sister in law Liz Dittman and his 3 grandchildren, Zachary, an Eagle Scout, Sam a baseball pitcher and Scout, and Elizabeth, artist and scout, as well as many loving cousins, Dan Wells (Bowie, MD) and Mimi Shea (Rockville, MD) and family and Rudl (NY), Savage (WI), Selander (NY) and Ayers (NY). Rex enjoyed flying glider airplanes and worked as a crew and flew at many soaring competitions from the age of 14, earning his pilot’s license at 16. He was also a long-time HAM radio operator earning is General HAM license ‘N3PGI’. He was a member of the Anne Arundel and Laurel HAM clubs. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1964-1966 in Germany and Norway as a member of the military police and as a CID Inspector. Attended Embry Riddle University and worked in construction for Omni building affordable housing and other commercial structures. He spent 32 years in the Federal Government working for the Department of Health and Human Services on HMOs. As a father and grandfather, he encouraged his son and grandchildren to pursue many of life’s activities which remain passions still. He traveled much of Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean with Jan and recently completed a wonderful cruise on the Seine with in-laws. He instilled a love of travel, scouts, and a desire to try new things in himself and his family. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Beltsville, MD at Rt. 1 and Powder Mill Road. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church or to the Msgr Thomas M. Wells Scholarship Fund at 4112 Norbeck Road, Rockville, MD 20853.

Rex Durland Wells

January 10, 1943 - March 21, 2026