Harold P. Wells was born on August 24, 1921. Dr. Wells graduated from high school in Danbury, Connecticut. Education was of great importance to him. Dr. Wells earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and then went on to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate in physical education from the University of Illinois at Urbana. He taught in many places, including Bangkok, Thailand, The University of Illinois, Yale University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and Northern Illinois University. He was married to Wilma C. Wells (Albrecht).

Harold P. Wells passed away on May 11, 1996, at the age of 74. Upon his passing, a Scholarship Fund was created at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Dr. Wells was always interested in people who wished to get more education. The Harold P. Wells Scholarship Fund honors his interests and provides educational assistance to DeKalb Fire Department members and their families for furthering their education in some small way. He chose the DeKalb Fire Department because his youngest son was a member of the department at the time of his death and the fact that he lived in DeKalb for more than one-third of his life. He felt this was a small way to give back to the community. The name of the Fund was officially changed to the Dr. & Mrs. Harold P. Wells Scholarship Fund in 2019 with the passing of his wife, Wilma. Together, they are leaving a legacy of love and support for their community.