Edward Wayne Wellman, also known colloquially as "Chief Eddie Wayne," passed away peacefully at his home on July 17, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on June 19, 1961, to Eugene "Gene" Edward Wellman and the former Judy Wanelle Cryer in Snyder, Texas. A 1979 graduate of Arapahoe High School in Littleton, Colorado, Ed was always drawn to a life of public service and began his career as a EMT in 1980 with Easterling Wilson Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas.

Ed relocated to The Colony, Texas, in December 1981, where he joined Professional Ambulance Service as a Paramedic in Grand Prairie, Texas, and also served as a volunteer firefighter with The Colony Fire Department (TCFD). He later joined TCFD full-time, and served over a 20-year span as a firefighter/paramedic, driver, and station lieutenant, and also oversaw the Fire Safety Clown and High Angle Rescue Programs. In 2007, he joined the Little Elm Fire Department, serving as Assistant Chief until his 2016 retirement. A true testament to his dedication to the fire service, Chief Wellman then served as a Division Chief for the Celina Fire Department from 2016 to 2021, opting to take on the role as a contract worker to enable the city to hire additional full-time firefighters.

Throughout his career, Ed also served in numerous professional development and instructional roles with the North Texas Training Association (NTTA Fire Academy), Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), Texas Commission on Fire Prevention (TCFP), Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), among others.

Ed earned his paramedic certification from Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, and graduated with a fire science degree from Collin County Community College in North Texas. He was an active member of the Fire Instructors Association of North Texas, the Denton County Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. His extensive experience also earned him certifications as a TCFP Master Instructor, TCFP Fire Officer II, III, and IV, TCFP Master Firefighter, TCFP Driver/Operator, TEEX Fire Officer III and IV, and Licensed Paramedic with the Texas Department of State Health Services. He also served as an adjunct instructor for TDEM and TAMFS.

Outside of the fire service, Ed was an ardent Elvis Presley fan who cherished spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with family and close friends on cruise adventures throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, Hawaii, and Alaska. Ever the outgoing personality, Ed could find humor in any situation and was often the first to crack a joke to lighten the mood. His antics brought light and levity to even the most stressful situations, a perfect complement to his unmatched professionalism and devotion to his community.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Janet; sons, Cody, Jason, and Eric; grandchildren, Sydnie, Gwendolyn, and Liam; brother, David; nephew, Spencer; nieces, Lauren and Kristen; grand-nephews, A.J., Murphy, Shane, and Ryan; grand-nieces, Kaylee, Katelynn, and Ayla; along with additional family members throughout Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming.

He was a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and public servant who will be missed by all who knew him.