1931
Ralph
2017
Ralph Gene Bell
November 5, 1931 — February 11, 2017
Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph Bell was 10:00 a.m.Thursday, February 16, 2017 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel.
Ralph Gene Bell passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the age of 85.
The son of Wiley and Elizabeth Williams Bell was born November 5, 1931, in Vinita, Oklahoma. There he was raised, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School. Shortly after graduating in 1950, Ralph was called to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Air force, where he would serve in the military police during the Korean conflict. Upon his honorary discharge he returned home to Vinita. Again, he began working at Bell Poultry, the family business, Eventually Bell Poultry moved to Claremore. It was there that Ralph met Margaret Pannucci. They would marry on August 16, 1958 in Claremore. The newlywed couple moved to Okmulgee, where Ralph began attending OSU Tech.
Having studied Agriculture Science, Ralph returned to Claremore, and continued his work in the Poultry industry. Over the next several years he would work for the family business, Bell Poultry. Later he moved to Muskogee, working for Swift Poultry, and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.Then in 1970, he would begin his career with the United States Department of Agriculture, which moved him to Fayetteville, Arkansas.This is where he was given his everlasting nick name, "Ding Dong Bell". He retired from the United States Department of Agriculture in 1999.
In 1999, Ralph and Margaret moved back to Claremore. There he became an active member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Ralph was always happy, and enjoyed simple pleasures in life.
You could often find Ralph sitting on his patio listening to jazz music, soaking up the sunshine, while refreshing his thirst after a day on his John Deer tractor. Ralph and his four legged Doxion companion "Lil Girl" made sure the yard was in perfect shape at all times. Other past times he enjoyed were watching his grandchildren and family friends play sports, and watching his favorite Oklahoma Sooners.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley and Elizabeth Bell; wife, Margaret Bell, and two sisters.
Survivors included his sons, David Bell and wife Dana of Ketchum, and Darin Bell and wife Amy of Bella Vista, Arkansas; grandchildren, Delaney and Dominic Bell of Bella Vista, and brother, Wayne Bell and wife Joanne of Oklahoma City.
Memorials may be made in honor of Ralph to the Claremore Veterans Center at 3001 West Blue Starr Dr. Claremore, Ok 74017
View and sign Ralph's online memorial at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com
Ralph Gene Bell passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the age of 85.
The son of Wiley and Elizabeth Williams Bell was born November 5, 1931, in Vinita, Oklahoma. There he was raised, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School. Shortly after graduating in 1950, Ralph was called to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Air force, where he would serve in the military police during the Korean conflict. Upon his honorary discharge he returned home to Vinita. Again, he began working at Bell Poultry, the family business, Eventually Bell Poultry moved to Claremore. It was there that Ralph met Margaret Pannucci. They would marry on August 16, 1958 in Claremore. The newlywed couple moved to Okmulgee, where Ralph began attending OSU Tech.
Having studied Agriculture Science, Ralph returned to Claremore, and continued his work in the Poultry industry. Over the next several years he would work for the family business, Bell Poultry. Later he moved to Muskogee, working for Swift Poultry, and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.Then in 1970, he would begin his career with the United States Department of Agriculture, which moved him to Fayetteville, Arkansas.This is where he was given his everlasting nick name, "Ding Dong Bell". He retired from the United States Department of Agriculture in 1999.
In 1999, Ralph and Margaret moved back to Claremore. There he became an active member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Ralph was always happy, and enjoyed simple pleasures in life.
You could often find Ralph sitting on his patio listening to jazz music, soaking up the sunshine, while refreshing his thirst after a day on his John Deer tractor. Ralph and his four legged Doxion companion "Lil Girl" made sure the yard was in perfect shape at all times. Other past times he enjoyed were watching his grandchildren and family friends play sports, and watching his favorite Oklahoma Sooners.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley and Elizabeth Bell; wife, Margaret Bell, and two sisters.
Survivors included his sons, David Bell and wife Dana of Ketchum, and Darin Bell and wife Amy of Bella Vista, Arkansas; grandchildren, Delaney and Dominic Bell of Bella Vista, and brother, Wayne Bell and wife Joanne of Oklahoma City.
Memorials may be made in honor of Ralph to the Claremore Veterans Center at 3001 West Blue Starr Dr. Claremore, Ok 74017
View and sign Ralph's online memorial at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph Gene Bell, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
1:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
MMS - Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service
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