Officials from Christian County government and Visit Hopkinsville gathered alongside a surviving family Tuesday afternoon, dedicating a tree planted near the Convention and Visitors Bureau in honor of the late Mark Wells — a tireless two-term magistrate and advocate of local tourism who died this past December.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam remembers being a first-time magistrate alongside Wells, and someone who took great care and joy in helping the area grow.
A new willow oak tree, Gilliam noted, seemed fitting — as did the words of Jeremiah 17:7-8 from the King James Version of the Holy Bible, in honor of a friend to the community.
His wife of 33 years, Jane Wells has more than tree rings to remember her late husband — keeping her wedding band on a necklace she daily dons.
Still, she called this honor a “humbling reminder” of Mark’s work in Hopkinsville.
Even in 2021, Wells ran for a third — and final — time as District 2 magistrate before suffering defeat to Josh Turner.
Still, Jane said “he absolutely loved every minute of it,” and that a tree provided a perfect tribute.
To the gallery, Jane noted Tuesday also had a familiar meaning to the family.
Family members also received a Christian County medallion, as another token of appreciation for Wells’ work — which included more than just his careers at Super Lawn & Garden, Mr. Mulch and American Concrete, but also his supports of the Alhambra Theatre, the Trail of Tears Commission, the annual Trail of Tears Pow Wow, the Hopkinsville CVB, First Christian Church and the Salvation Army of Hopkinsville.
Life Timeline: Mark Alton Wells
April 28, 1953
- Born in Louisville to Alton and Pat Wells.
- Grew up with older brother Edward Louis Wells and younger sister Carol Susan Wells Hilbert.
1971
- Graduated from Fern Creek High School.
- Active student-athlete, playing varsity football and basketball.
Early–Mid 1970s
- Attended and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a master’s degree in economics.
1970s (Post-College Years)
- Traveled across the U.S., working various jobs:
- Maintenance assistant at Yellowstone National Park
- Sawmill work in Washington state
- Eventually returned to Louisville.
1980s
- Relocated to Hopkinsville.
- Founded Super Lawn & Garden, beginning a successful career in business.
1990
- Launched Mr. Mulch, a mulch manufacturing business serving retail and wholesale customers.
1993–1997
- Owned and operated American Concrete, expanding his business ventures.
Circa 1990s–2010
- Continued entrepreneurial work and community involvement in Hopkinsville.
2010
- Retired from business.
- Focused on working and enjoying time on his farm.
2014
- Entered public service; elected Magistrate for District 2 on the Christian County Fiscal Court.
- Became deeply involved in county development and governance.
2010s–2020s (Public & Community Service)
- Helped support the refurbishment of the Alhambra Theatre—one of his proudest accomplishments.
- Longtime member and past president of the Trail of Tears Commission.
- Promoted the Trail of Tears Pow Wow as a regional destination event.
- Worked with the Convention & Visitors Bureau to boost tourism in Christian County.
Circa 1980s–2025
- Active member of First Christian Church (DOC) for over 35 years:
- Choir member
- Property and Personnel committees
- Served as Moderator in 2023
- Regular volunteer cooking for The Salvation Army soup kitchen.
Personal Life (Throughout Adulthood)
- Avid outdoorsman: hunting and fishing across the U.S. and Canada, including trips to the Gulf of Mexico and annual Kentucky Lake “Fish Camp.”
- Known for humor, strong work ethic, love of travel, and deep commitment to friends and family.
Circa 1992
- Married Jane Wells (33-year marriage at time of death).
- Became a devoted stepfather and grandfather figure to an extended family.
December 31, 2025
- Passed away at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by family.
January 10, 2026
- Celebration of life held at First Christian Church in Hopkinsville.
