Douglas Olander Wells

Douglas Olander Wells, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away at home on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born on August 6, 1939, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, the son of the late Guy Olander Wells and Eva Jones Wells. 

Doug was an Administrative Director for a Vocational Rehabilitation Center where he retired after 32 years of service. He was fluent in sign language and taught deaf students at LSU School for the Deaf in the early days of his career. He was instrumental in initiating a federal grant which integrated deaf students into the hearing classroom through the use of interpreters. This ultimately led to the extensive utilization of interpreters as seen today. He obtained a PhD in Education from USM and was first to get sign language accepted as his required second language.

Doug had a passion for restoring cars which began at an early age and ended up a lifelong hobby. He was self-taught in most aspects of restoration and took great pride in knowing that a finished project represented his skills and ability. He also had an artistic gift that he used to create portraits and automotive artwork. He was a very talented person.

Doug is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patsy Lockhart Wells, son, Gregg Wells and wife Debbie, and granddaughters, Jennifer Wells and Shelby Brown and husband Kyle.

In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Triche.

Services will be held privately. Family and friends are encouraged to send condolences and share memories through the online guest book available at www.harrymckneely.com.

Memorial contributions are welcome to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond.