PAUL STEVEN WELLS

Paul Steven “Steve” Wells died on Tuesday, April 7 at age 81. Steve was born February 26, 1934 and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1952.

In 1956, he graduated from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and has been a Husky fan ever since.

Following college, he spent 2½ years in Germany serving in the Army Medical Service Corps. Upon his return, he came back to Mount Vernon, where he ran the family drug store, Wells Drug.

In 1964, he married Darcy Gearhart, and in 1970, he designed and patented a shipping concept for hauling product out of shallow ports. This was the beginning of his many travels to Asia and Europe.

In 1978, Steve and Darcy started Tyee Trading Company and spent many years traveling to Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. Tyee Trading eventually became Mobile Merchandisers Corporation of Mount Vernon, which designs and manufactures display racks. Steve and Darcy’s son, Steven, is now the president.

In 2010, Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which was eventually re-diagnosed as Lewy Body Disease.

Steve’s wife, Darcy, cared for him until just a few short weeks ago, when he was put into the wonderful care of Ashley Gardens in Mount Vernon.

Steve was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He loved watching his grandchildren and their many academic and athletic endeavors. He loved to travel. He also considered all of his employees at Mobile Merchandisers family. They were very important to him.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Paul E. Wells, his mother Anne Masser Wells and his brother Robert Wells.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Darcy Gearhart Wells, his son and daughter-in-law Steven and Gina Wells and their three sons, Riley, Grady and Avery. He also leaves his daughter and son-in-law Stacy and Jim Chapin and their three children, Ethan, Maizie and Hunter. Additional survivors include Steve’s brother Ned Wells, many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

Steve’s memorial service was 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 14 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th Street, Mount Vernon. A reception at the church followed.

Please send memorials to: “Team Steve” for Burlington Alzheimer’s Walk on September 19, 2015 — go to ALZ.org; Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, WA 98273; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon, WA 98274 or a charity of your choice.

Please share your thoughts of Steve and sign the online guest register at http://www.hawthornefh.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.