Masonic News

Trestleboard

Fluid of Life

Food for Thought

June, 1999

Bro Joe K. Wells Recognized as Senior Statesman in Texas

Brother Joe Kelton Wells, Austin 12's Chaplain, was recognized at this year's Member's Reunion Day held by the Texas House of Representatives on April 8, 1999. House Speaker Bro. Pete Laney, introduced Joe as the senior member of the House of Representatives and the only surviving member of the 44th Legislature. Having been first elected in 1933 from his home district in Navarro County, Bro Wells was a student at the University of Texas Law School at the time.

Brother Wells was a confidant and advisor to the late Bro Allan Shivers during his unprecedented tenure as governor. He also served as general counsel for the Texas Employment Commission. Joe later followed Gov. Shivers "down the Avenue" to the Austin National Bank. Retiring from the bank, he couldn't retire from the people business.

"Charles Walden called and asked me to come to work at his funeral home," Joe remembered. "I told him I didn't know the first thing about the funeral business, but he assured me that it was my skills with the living customers that he wanted."

Joe has been a revered member of the Masonic fraternity for over 50 years. He is a Past Potentate of Ben Hur Shrine Temple. He became a member of the Austin Scottish Rite Bodies in 1947 and has been a faithful worker ever since. He was Coronetted 33°, Inspector General Honorary in 1969. He is Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and is Reunion Director-Emeritus.

He and the love of his life, Marjorie, spend the balance of their time doting on their grandchildren.

Congratulations, Brother Joe!

From "The Scottish Rite Messenger"

Everyone is invited to attend:

Lodge 12 Installation of Officers

Tuesday, June 29, 1999, 7 P.M.

Harry Cunningham, P.G.M., installing officer.

Grand Lodge of Texas
Line

Austin Lodge #12 A. F. & A. M.                        

4220 Bull Creek Road, Austin, Tx. 78763

(512)454-8009

E-mail : Webmaster James McKissick

Updated 05/29/99

This site created November 3, 1997.