Jay Dee Wells

Jay Dee Wells, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday April 7th, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on April 23rd, 1944, to parents Norman Gilman and Adda Lena Deem in Ogden, Utah. Jay graduated from Ogden High School in 1962. He was an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jay served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969. During his service, he served three tours in Vietnam, where he earned three Purple Heart Medals and a Bronze Star with Valor, amongst other awards for his service. On June 1st, 1991, Jay married his sweetheart, Dina Battisti, in Elko, Nevada. They shared nearly 35 years of marriage put together with hard times and good times. They leaned deeply on each other throughout their marriage.

He spent many years working construction and could build anything that he set his mind to. This was followed by a career working at Defense Depot Ogden and finally retiring from Hill Air Force Base in 2010.

Aside from being a father and grandfather, Jay was most proud of his military service, helping his fellow veterans and the community through his military groups, and volunteer work. Jay was also a huge animal lover; he was especially fond of his miniature schnauzers, George (GW) and Penelope, with whom he shared a deep bond. Sports were a large part of Jay’s life; he grew up playing football, baseball, tennis, and bowling. He was a Utah Jazz and Las Vegas Raiders fan; however, watching baseball and cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ogden Raptors was his favorite. He was also an avid golfer, with many years spent in the DDO Golf League.

Jay is survived by his wife Dina; sons, Jason (Nicole) and Brady (Abby); grandsons, Noah and Eli; and his in-laws; Joe Battisti (Corinne Tallman), Michael (Janet) Battisti, John Battisti (Zaundra Carter), Virginia Battisti, Cathy (Glen) Leavitt, Paul Battisti, and Mario Battisti.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bryce; grandson, Owen and mother-in-law, Cleone.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends my visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment will be at the Plain City Cemetery with military honors. A luncheon will be held following the services at the Pleasant View 14th Ward, 3035 N 1325 W, Pleasant View, UT 84414.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Jay’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local animal shelter/rescue of your choosing in honor of Jay’s memory.

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