Richard Cecil Wells

Richard Cecil Wells, 74, of Davenport, passed on June 10, 2025. A Memorial Mass for Richard “Rick” will be held at 10:30 a.m. on August 21, 2025 at Saint John Vianney, Bettendorf. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass in the gathering space at church. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rick Wells was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 26, 1951. He was the fourth child and only son of Reverend Cecil A. Wells and Janet Urbauer. Rick and his three adoring sisters grew up in various parsonages within his father’s Methodist ministry. The early years in Des Moines led to moving to Red Oak, IA. Rick was involved in scouting, creating an early interest in nature. He enjoyed many “Potluck Sundays” and Sunday School after listening to his father preach.

Moving to Keokuk for high school, Rick explored the banks of the Mississippi searching for geodes. Extra-curricular activities included drama club (performing in “South Pacific” and “Oklahoma”); athletics including wrestling, football, and State finalist swimming butterfly; and playing trombone and guitar.

After graduation, Rick entered the Peace Corps, where he served for two years in Korea working to help with tuberculosis control. While serving he acquired a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Rick prepared for college upon his return in the Fall, where Rick earned his B.S. in Education from Iowa State University and became politically active working on Tom Harkins’ Senatorial Campaign. During college summers, Rick worked as a deckhand on river boats from Minneapolis to New Orleans. It was during this time, through a mutual friend, that he met his wife of 46 years, Mary Ann Fairbank. They were married after a year of long-distance romance between Davenport and Ames.

The couple, both college graduates in Education, were hired by the Davenport School System. Rick was a beloved teacher of Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. During his prodigious career, he received State and National recognitions for the following: Master of Science from the University of Iowa (1993), the Scott County Golden Apple (1998), Iowa Science Academy award for Excellence in Chemistry (1997), the Outstanding Teacher Award (2004), and the Iowa Science Academy award for Meritorious Service (2005). In 2006, the Iowa Science Teacher Society (ISTS) presented him with the distinguished “Corporate Friends of Science” (’06). His professional organizations also included the Mid-American Paleontology Society and Phi Delta Kappa.

Rick and Mary enjoyed summers teaching summer school, working at Park & Rec. mentoring children. They traveled extensively—trips to Europe, Central America, and South America. Spring Break found the couple following Rick’s love for the ocean. They became avid scuba divers, frequenting the Caribbean’s various islands. The two volunteered as group leaders hosting weekend field trips for their students, leading student groups in the Boundary Waters on canoe trips.

Rick was always involved in his school community, from coaching adult volleyball to unearthing Central High’s 100-year-old time capsule and mentoring and guiding the after-school martial arts program. Rick was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bettendorf, together with his wife, Mary. Rick was engaging, witty, and thoughtful with everyone he met, from his camping buddies to Carl Sagan and Jack Horner.

Rick received his final tribute on June 10th, 2025—his new home in heaven. Surviving him are his loving wife, Mary, his sister Carole (Gary) Mehl of Kansas City, MO, and numerous nieces and nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the organizations Rick gave generously to, the Sierra Club, the Ocean Conservancy, the World Wildlife Federation, or the Audubon Society.