Lindell Ray Wells

Lindell Ray Wells, 58, of Galatia, IL was born on March 28, 1964, in Harrisburg, IL to John W. and Wilma M. Wells. He passed away on March 13, 2023, peacefully at home.

 

Lindell was a devoted son, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his mother Wilma Wells of Galatia, sister Johnna (Renie) Wells of Collinsville, brothers, John Lee (Karin) Wells of Eldorado, and Duane Wells of Galatia, his nephews and niece, Kasey Wells, Wyatt Wells and Cassidy Wells of Eldorado and an aunt, Wanda Faye "Shorty" Sisney.

 

He is preceded in death by his father John W. Wells, Grandparents, Milford and Wanda (Peyton) Sisney of Galatia, IL and Warren and Florence (Hardaway) Wells of Meade, KS, his uncle's Alvin Wells of Kansas and Robert Wells (Nevada) and aunts Thelma Finke of Kansas and Marie Hotchkiss of Oregon.

 

Lindell started riding Thoroughbreds when he was 16 years old. He, however, graduated from Eldorado High School in 1982. He made a promise that if his parents let him start riding, that he would return and graduate. He upheld his end of the deal. He followed in his father’s footsteps when he decided he wanted to become a jockey.

He rode at Beulah Park and Belterra in Ohio, Ellis Park, Church Hill Downs, Kentucky Downs, Keeneland and Turfway Park in Kentucky, Fairmount Park, Hawthorne Park, and Arlington Park in Illinois, Prairie Meadows in Iowa, and Mountaineer in West Virginia. He also rode at many County Fairs. He loved the atmosphere and comradery of the fair races.

Lindell rode races for 35 years. He retired in 2014 and worked with his brothers at the family Thoroughbred Training business. His knowledge of horses and his mechanical ability to fix anything will leave a hole at the farm and home. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.

 

Lindell was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and has been fighting like a warrior since his diagnosis. His treatments were at Siteman Center in St. Louis. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the disease.

 

Lindell was a caring person and whose impact will be forever felt by his family. He was a selfless man whose passing left an unfillable hole in the hearts of his friends and loved ones. His ability to support and love will be forever engrained in all he knew.

 

Funeral service will take place at Sloan Funeral Home, 110 State Street, Galatia, IL. 62935 on Friday, March 17, 2023. Visitation will be from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Donations can be made to Paralyzed and Disabled Jockey’s Fund.  Sloan Funeral Home of Galatia in charge of arrangements.