William "Bill" Bell

William Bell, known to all of his friends and family as Bill, died Sunday, March 30, 2014 at his home in Jennings, Oklahoma at the age of 83 years, nine months and five days. William was born June 25, 1930, in Cleveland, Oklahoma. He was the son of Ralph V. and Esther Marie (Painter) Bell. Bill was raised and received his education in Cleveland. After completing his education Bill moved with his family to California and worked as a tractor operator for Farley Lettuce Company in Salinas, California prior to entering into the service of his country. In San Francisco, California on March 7, 1952, Bill served honorably in the United States Navy for nearly seven years; most significantly as a Fireman on USS Bradford (DD-545). Bill received the following decorations and citations; National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with three stars, United Nations Service Medal and the China Service Medal. He was later honorably discharged on February 29, 1956, in San Diego, California. After his discharge Bill remained in California and accepted employment as an automobile mechanic for a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealership in Salinas, California for nearly twenty-years. Returned to Cleveland in 1975, and accepted a position with D & L Ford as a mechanic for several years. Then he operated a security business locally for a few years before his retirement. Survivors are his last love Carolyn Sims of the home; daughter Alisa Baumgardner and her husband Kevin of Billings, Montana, daughter Tina Bell; granddaughters Mackenzie, Keaton and Autumn; two brothers M.F Hutchinson of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Lionel Hutchinson of Mt. Washington, Kentucky as well as many other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two wives Charlotte Corns Bell and Colleen Rogers Bell.