Clifton Wells

Clifton Wells, 91, of Litchfield, Michigan, passed away Sunday afternoon, August 13, 2017, in Drews Place at Village Green, Hillsdale, Michigan.

Clifton F. Wells was born March 11, 1926 in Jonesville, Michigan, to the late Arthur G. and Alice L. (Rodlam) Wells. He graduated from Jonesville High School in 1944. He grew up on a farm and was active in both 4-H and FFA and served on the State FFA Board, earning the FFA State Farmer Degree.

On October 18, 1947, Clif married Frances E. Walton. Since high school he had the dream of owning a farm implement business. The dream came to life in 1952 when Clif and Fran along with Harold and Anna Doty founded Doty & Wells which later became Wells Equipment Sales in Litchfield. Many long hours, a wonderful staff and loyal customers made the business a success. Clif was a long-time member of the National and Michigan Farm Equipment Dealer Associations. He served two terms on the Michigan Farm Equipment Dealer Association Board of Directors and in 1992 received their Outstanding Dealer Award. Wells Equipment Sales continues today and is operated by their son, Steve and his wife, Karen.

The Wells lived in Jonesville until 1972 and then moved to Litchfield.

In Jonesville, Clif was an active member of the Jonesville United Methodist Church where he served in many offices. For 10 years he was on the Jonesville Village Council and was Mayor Pro Tem several times. He was a lifetime member of the Grosvenor House Museum.

In Litchfield, Clif was an active member of the Litchfield United Methodist Church where he served in several offices and belonged to United Methodist Men. He was a member and twice served as president of the Litchfield Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. For many years Clif was on the Board of Directors of Litchfield State Savings Bank. For over 35 years he was on the Litchfield Planning Commission.

Clif was a member of the County, State and National Republican Party. In 1981, the Wells attended the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C. and in 1996 he accompanied Fran to San Diego where she was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Clif enjoyed yard work, gardening and feeding the birds. He collected antique cars and farm implements as well as milk bottles and farm toys. Clif and Fran were members of Branch County Country Couples. Over the years they loved dancing. The Wells traveled in both the United States and other countries and Clif especially enjoyed Hawaii. They wintered in Venice, Florida for many years.

Clif’s surviving family includes his wife of nearly 70 years, Frances; three children, Rebecca Marvin of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Steven (Karen) Wells of Quincy, Michigan and Christopher (Marcia) Wells of Mishawaka, Indiana; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Marvin of New York, New York and Ryan Wells of Battle Creek, Michigan; three great grandchildren, Jacob, Adam and Madelynn Wells; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Clif was preceded in death by a brother, Harlo Wells; a sister, Alice May Prescott; a brother who died at four years old, J.C. Wells; an infant grandson, Connor Wells; and an infant great grandson, Steven Wells.

Services honoring the life and faith of Clifton Wells will be held Friday, August 18, at 11 am in the Litchfield United Methodist Church, with Rev. Mary Sweet and Rev. Clyde Wonders officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset View Cemetery in Jonesville.

Clif’s family will receive friends for visitation Thursday, August 17, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at the Eagle Funeral Home – George White Chapel in Litchfield.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hillsdale County or HCCF - Fair Renovation Fund.