Vernie L. Wells, 88, realized his long held, steadfast hope of eternal life on Sunday afternoon, February 15, 2009. Vernie's faith in God as his savior, provider, comforter, and guide enabled him to live an overcoming life spanning 88 years and 11 days. Vernie was born on February 4, 1921, on the family homestead, 4 miles southeast of Gran Quivira, NM to James L. and Mennel (McDaniel) Wells and was so pleased to be able to spend his last days at home on the ranch. Vernie lived all his 88 years ranching and farming in the Gran Quivira area, and will be laid to rest in the family cemetery one mile from his birthplace. His occupation as a pinto bean farmer and rancher provided ample challenges and opportunities to develop patience, perseverance, and persistence, which characterized his life. Vernie was an encourager and influenced everyone whose path happened to cross his. Through his longevity, vast knowledge, and uncanny ability to recall events, people, and dates, Vernie became known as the community historian. Many families relied on him for details concerning their family history in this area. He was truly a man of integrity, which was manifested through his values, compassion, commitment, and singleness of purpose. Vernie graduated from Claunch High School in 1938 with his brother Marvin, and Dolly Johnson who comprised the one and only graduating class from Claunch High School. He received salvation in 1941 and has been an active member of the Gran Quivira Church since that time. Vernie honorably served his country in the Air Force during World War II and his community by serving on various boards. Vernie married Opal Mae Toothman on March 21, 1943, and she preceded him in death in 1978. He was also preceded in death by his parents, James L. and Mennel Wells; Father and Mother-in-law, Everett "Pappy" and Zelda "Ma" Toothman; and two brothers, Marvin and Jack Wells. Vernie is survived by his sons, J.E. Wells and wife Elaine of Las Cruces, NM; Wess Wells and wife Kim of Mountainair, NM; daughter, Lorita Luna and husband Donny of Los Chavez, NM; brothers, Ray Wells of Rio Rancho, NM; Bill Wells of Claunch, NM; sisters, Nora Austin of Estancia, NM; Dora Hubbard of Socorro, NM; Lora Morris of Andrews, TX; 11 grandchildren, Kimberly Barnard and husband Kent of Rio Rancho, NM; Kerri Carrasco and husband J.R. of Albuquerque, NM; David McMath and wife Annathea of Fremont, CA; Lachelle Nettles and husband Otis of Dripping Springs, TX; Letitia Limpin and husband Mike of Las Cruces, NM; Tami Sue Wells and fiancé John Blaschke of Austin, TX; Tonia Dunlap of Mountainair, NM; Tanner Dunlap of Lovington, NM; T'Layna Mae Wells of Mountainair, NM; April Luna and D.J. Luna, both of Los Chavez, NM; and 13 great grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Mountainair, NM from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the Mountainair Campground Auditorium. Reverends Ray Wells, Darrell Roberts, Ed Rimer and Norman Lindsey will be officiating. Interment will follow at White Lake Cemetery near Gran Quivira, NM. Pallbearers will be Wayne Connell, Matthew Connell, Colvin Connell, D.J. Luna, Tanner Dunlap, Jamye Moore, Kenneth Shaw and Gary Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be Frank Luna Jr., Fred Moore, Jayson Moore, Dolores Lopez, Pamela Lopez, Ronnie Ansley, Buddy Dunn, Tracy Kite, Richard Spencer, Bill Rogers, and Sam Chavez. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gran Quivira Church Building Fund, HC 75 Box 50, Mountainair, NM, 87036. Arrangements entrusted to Harris-Hanlon Mortuary "Our Family Serving Your Family" (505) 847-2331 www.Harris-HanlonMortuary.com