Howard Wells, 91, aircraft maintenance engineer

YOU RARELY SAW Howard Wells without a camera around his neck.

What started as a hobby eventually became a passion and ultimately a source of income.

You weren't safe from the prying lens of Howard's camera. Nor would you want to be. His photographs captured the daily doings of his native city and its denizens.

He also worked for a time for African-American newspapers the Philadelphia Tribune and the Afro-American, recording the events of the day, especially those of interest to African-Americans.

Howard Wells, a naval aircraft maintenance engineer, Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, mathematics teacher and devoted churchman, died Sept. 13 at age 91.

He retired from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1985 as an engineering technician and draftsman. He taught general-equivalency-diploma mathematics at La Salle University.

Howard was drafted into the Army Air Corps in World War II and assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron. After attending the Aircraft Mechanic School, he was assigned to the 618th Bomber Unit as an aircraft- and engine-maintenance crew chief.

When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, Howard came under the command of Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, commander of the Tuskegee Airmen. They were engaged in preparing bomber and fighter squadrons for service in the Pacific Theater and the impending invasion of Japan.

However, when the atomic bombs were detonated over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August, Japan surrendered.

Howard wanted a transfer to France, but when this was denied, he took an early discharge in February 1946 with the rank of staff sergeant.

After his discharge, Howard enrolled at the Cal-Aero Technical School, in California, and studied commercial-aircraft and engine maintenance. He returned to Philadelphia and became an apprentice mechanic at the Navel Shipyard.

He was promoted to journeyman machinist and worked in the toolmaking section. Within seven years, he was transferred to the engineering department as an engineering technician and draftsman.

Howard was born in Philadelphia, the oldest of the nine children of Capeis and Ida Mae Martin-Wells. He graduated from the original Northeast High School, at 8th Street and Lehigh Avenue. (It's now at Cottman and Algon avenues.)

But Howard wasn't through with education. Near the end of his 43 years of service in the Navy Department, he entered La Salle University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

As a teacher of mathematics, he "encouraged his students to further their education," his family said.

"Howard was a great supporter and encourager, especially to nieces, nephews and siblings, always pushing them to do better," his family said.

In 1949, he met and married Naomi Phillips. The marriage ended in 1957. He married Victoria E. Smalls in 1964. She died in February.

Howard's spiritual journey began at the Mount Zion Fire-Baptized Holiness Church. He later became an active member of Germantown Community Presbyterian Church. He served as elder and clerk of sessions, choir member, chairman of the Usher Board, member of the Finance Committee and, of course, church photographer.

He also served on committees of the Presbytery, the Synod and the General Assembly.

Howard was active with the Zeta Omicron Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He was chapter treasurer for a time.

He is survived by four brothers, Kurt, Charles, James and Edward, and two sisters, Alice V. Mouzon and Brenda J. Slocum. He was predeceased by a daughter, Kathy M. Wells.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Germantown Community Presbyterian Church, Greene and Tulpehocken streets.