Rusty Wells died peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Born in Maysville, KY, on October 11, 1942, he was raised in Louisville, the only child of Nell Bryant Wells and Darrell Harned Wells. He graduated from Atherton High School in 1960, lettered in swimming, and played on the tennis team before attending the University of Louisville. Rusty enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1964 and was stationed in Cape May, New Jersey. He joined his uncle’s business, Peyton’s, Inc., prior to becoming the co-founder of D&W Silks.

Rusty was a gamesman, always up for an ambitious play of squash, a challenging round of golf, or a steadied hand of gin. Tennis became an important part of Rusty’s life playing competitively and for pleasure. He also enjoyed boating on the Ohio River, sharing his boat with his many friends. Inheriting his father’s love of horse racing, Rusty had the good fortune to grace the Winner's Circle of Churchill Downs with horses, “Lord Rusty” and “How Rare”.

His past memberships include the Louisville Boat Club, Harmony Landing Country Club, and the Pendennis Club.

He is survived by many lifelong friends, several cousins as well as his stepdaughter, Katy Matthews who cared for him, her husband Bobby, their children, Beck and Alexandria, and his stepson, Talbot Scott Steel (Maria). He was predeceased by his parents and his cousins, Wayne Wells and Peyton Wells.

Rusty was a good friend to many. A southern gentleman, he was fun and funny and will be sorely missed.

Funeral service 12pm Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Pearson's, 149 Breckenridge Ln. with burial to follow at the Wells family gravesite at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Visitation will be from 4-7pm Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Pearson’s.

Memorial gifts may be made to Home of the Innocents,1100 E Market Street Louisville, KY 40206, or a charity of the donor’s choice.