In 1922, Wells designed the installation of an OXX-6 engine into a Hisso-Jenny aircraft. In 1929, he assisted with the design and construction of the first wind tunnel at the University of Kansas at Lawrence. Wells was responsible for design and construction of many small town airports throughout Kansas. In 1938, he designed the Topeka Municipal Airport (now called Billiard) and managed the facility for many years. He formed the Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, and was an active member for more than 40 years. Wells received the War Department’s Meritorious Achievement Award in 1946, the 50th Anniversary of Powered Flight Distinguished Service Award in 1953, and the House of Representatives Medal of Merit in 1985, as well as other citations and certificates.