Edward "Ed" Wells, 82, of Madisonville, KY, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.

He was born on November 23, 1943, in Mortons Gap, KY, to the late Frances Woodward Wells and Jesse Wells. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was the executive vice president of Hicks Dollar General Stores Inc. He was a member of Gideon International serving as President of Lyon and Caldwell County Chapters for several years. Ed provided ministry services to the Kentucky State Penitentiary and other prison ministries. He enjoyed recording gospel music. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. Ed was a member and elder of Covenant Community Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary "Ruthie" Hancock Wells; his sister, Joy Whicker; and his brother-in-laws, Charles Starr and Mark Whicker.

His survivors include his wife of fourteen years, Tarry Everett Wells of Madisonville; son, Jesse (Michelle) Wells of Central City, KY; daughter, Tammy (Keith) Wells Barton of Hanson, KY; sisters, Melinda Starr of Nortonville, Diana (Mark) Smiley of Dawson Springs, KY, and Delena (Tracey) Daves of Bowling Green, KY; grandchildren, Mallory Hunt, Cameron (Kendall) Hunt, Kyle Barton, Luke Barton, and Makenzie (Ryan) Williams; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Covenant Community Church, 1055 North Main Street, Madisonville, KY with Dr. Michael Knight officiating. A private burial will be held at Salem Cemetery in Mortons Gap.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the service hour on Saturday at the church. Harris Funeral Home is in-charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 225, Mortons Gap, KY 42440 or to Gideon International at https://gideons.org/donate