Police Officer Donald R. “Don” Wells
(1940-2026)

 

 

Don was born on August 4, 1940 in Cincinnati to John and Delia Wells. He graduated from Purcell High School.

After high school, Don joined the United States Army.

Don joined the Cincinnati Police Division in their 43rd Recruit Class on September 27, 1964. He was promoted to Patrolman on December 28, 1964, issued Badge 704, and assigned to District 3 (3201 Warsaw Avenue). Officer Wells also served in District 4 (4150 Reading Road). Throughout his career, he was active in the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and Hamilton County Police Association (HCPA), volunteering many hours to each, and attending many state and national FOP conferences. An avid bowler, he bowled for years in the FOP League, medaled in bowling at the Police Olympics, and was active in the Cincinnati Police Athletic Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Officer Wells retired on July 4, 1992 with almost 29 years of service, but remained active in the FOP, FOP Retired Officer’s Association, and HCPA.

Officer Wells transitioned to a second career of 18 years at the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union.

Officer Wells died after a lengthy illness while in hospice care at 3:00 p.m. on January 18, 2026 at the age of 85.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Pamela Miller. Officer Wells is survived by his wife of 63 years, Geraldine “Gerry” (Horn) Wells; children, Sandy (Matt) Doerger, David (Karen) Wells, and Todd Wells; and grandchildren, Kaity, Brett, Adam, Ryan, Nick, and Jake.

Visitation will be held on January 27, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. at Vitt, Stermer & Anderson Funeral Home at 4619 Delhi Pike. An FOP service will be held at 9:35 a.m. A Mass of Christan Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic Church at 4551 Delhi Road. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Association at 3819 West 8th Street.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Hospice of Cincinnati.

 

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