A third generation member of his
family to be involved in the ownership and management of the Homer
Laughlin China Company, Joseph M. Wells, Jr. was born December 14,
1915.Following graduation from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio
and the University of Pennsylvania -where he received his Bachelors
Degree in Marketing in 1939 - he volunteered for service during World
War 11, serving in the Pacific Theatre with the United States Navy.
Joe Wells' association with Homer
Laughlin could well be dated back to his boyhood days when he first
became involved at the Newell, WV plant. Throughout his more than 65
years' involvement with the company - known for its manufacturing of
world famous Fiesta Ware - he has served as plant superintendent,
secretary/treasurer, executive vice president, general manager, and
chairman of the board of directors. Although officially retired, he
maintains a full-time schedule at the company's corporate headquarters,
providing both his time and talent generously to see the company
continue to grow. A well-documented bonus plan by the Laughlin's has
been a major economic boom to the Tri-State area.
Throughout his life, Mr. Wells has
been active in the Boy Scouts movement, the YMCA, and the East Liverpool
City Hospital, of which he has been a significant supporter for many
years.
An avid golfer, his personal
friendship with Arnold Palmer is a source of great pride to him, along
with his association with Coach Lou Holtz.
On January 15, 1940, he married the
former Elizabeth Thomas of Akron, Ohio, the couple having three
children, Mr. Joseph M. Wells III, Mrs. Pete Jean) Wicks, and Mrs. Jack
(Liz) Mclivain, and later eight grandchildren. His wife passed away on
June 19, 1981. Mr. Wells is founding vice-president and member, of the
Lou Holtz /Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame and is hereby inducted into
the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame this day, July 5, 1998.
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