Robert A. "Bob" Wells, age 83, of Taylorville, died at 4:57 p.m. Saturday July 23, 2011 in Taylorville Memorial Hospital at Taylorville.

Bob was born in Taylorville on July 11, 1928, the son of Otis Wayne "Handsome" and Alma M. Schmelzer Wells. He graduated from Taylorville High School in 1947. He attended the University Of Illinois in Champaign and Milikin University in Decatur, where he studied accounting. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He married Dolores J. Zanotti on February 20, 1954 in Taylorville. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2004. Bob owned and operated the Olde Bowl Bowling Alley in Taylorville for thirty-seven years, retiring in 2000. He was a member of VFW Post 4495, American Legion Post 73, Eagles Aerie 1425 and the Moose Lodge, all in Taylorville.

He is survived by his sons, Robert (wife Pat) Wells II of Anna, and Donald (wife Debbie) Wells of Taylorville; grandchildren, Heather (husband Tony) Giannano of Decatur, Zack Wells of Taylorville and Tiffany Wells of Anna; great-granddaughter Clarity Wells of Anna; sisters, Anna Louise Haywood, Gloria (husband Pat) Gruen and Joyce (husband Don) Kelley, all of Taylorville, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and sister, Frances Eloise Smith.

At Bob's request, no services will be held. The family will receive family and friends at the Olde Bowl Bowling Alley at 300 South Spresser St., in Taylorville on Saturday July 30, 2011 from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. The family requests condolences only.