Richard Wells, 65, of Hartford, Conn., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 17, 2018.

Born in Bogalusa to the late Hoze Wells and Ordein (Sibley Sartin) Wells, he was reared in the Mount Carmel Baptist Church. At the early age of 14, Richard met his best friend, Joanne Lowery. The two were married for 33 years.

He graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1971 and has been a resident of Hartford since 1999. Richard worked as a general laborer in construction and other various fields for many years and his passion was working with cars. He loved music and to entertain his family and friends with his great sense of humor.

Besides his wife Joanne, he is survived by his son Aaron Pittman of St. Gabriel; his daughters, Shantel (Andre L) St. John of Concord, N.C., Natosha (Kendrick) Williams of Baton Rouge and Richelle Wells of Hartford; his eight grandchildren, Andre K St. John, Jaden St. John, Kendra Williams, Kennedi St. John, Khalil Wells, Nathan Williams, Elisha Williams and Salaya Wells; one great-grandson, Aayden St. John; his brothers, Lynell (Tanya) Sartin of Gary Ind., Jerry(Brelane) Wells of Bogalusa and Roger(Mae) Wells of Lombard, Ill.; a sister, Ora Lee Sartin Bickham of Bogalusa; and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; especially his best friend, Cleve Bolton of Bogalusa.

He is predeceased by his brothers, the Rev. Jacob Sartin Jr., Charles Sartin, Joseph Sartin, James E. Sibley and Attie Davis Sartin; sisters-in-law, Orastine Sartin, Annie Bell Sartin and Audrey Sartin; and a best friend, Benjamin Jackson.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 7, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at noon. A repast will immediately follow at the American Legion Home on Sixth Avenue and East End.