Richard Eugen Bell
August 28, 1921 – April 9, 2024
Richard was born to Lela (Goddard) and William Bell August 28, 1921, in Alton Illinois. Boyhood was spent fishing, swimming, and exploring along the Mississippi River. Summers were spent with cousins on his uncle's farm, joining their chores with outdoor sports.
Rich graduated from East Alton-Wood River Community High School in June of 1940. College plans were interrupted by WWII when Richard opted to join the US Navy reporting to duty on January 22dn, 1942, at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Tours of duty included both Atlantic and Pacific warzones as a Pharmacist Mate 1st class and Hospital apprentice. As WWII ended Rich received his Honorable Discharge on December 11th, 1945.
Returning to Alton, Illinois Rich opted to join on as an apprentice in Sheet Metal Worker', Union eventually earning status as heating and air conditioning specialist. He married Frances Wille in 1950 and built by himself a 2-bedroom house In Wood River, Illinois. They welcomed daughter Diane in 1951 and son Brian in 1953. Remembering the southern California weather from his Navy tours and responding to job offers of major construction projects there, Rich moved his family in 1953 to North Torrance, CA where son Scott was born in 1957. Tragedy struck the family when Frances passed away of cancer in 1965. Rich was determined to keep his family together and received help from other family member, neighbors, and friends.
Rich kept busy attending all his children’s activities; boy scouts, YMCA Indian Guides and was active in St. Anthony’s Church in Gardena. He learned to play Golf and the joy of playing around with his friends.
When the Children were adults and working their chosen profession’s, Rich planned his retirement in Northern Nevada. He admitted praying to God to help him find a special lady to spend his retirement with. His prayers
were answered when he discovered and married Louise Skelley on January 22, 1983. Their first year of
marriage consisted of selling their southern California houses and moving to Carson City. Nevada. They spent winters in Palm Desert, CA continuing to team the game of Golf and summers in Northern Nevada. After 10 years of back and forth they decided to choose a venue in the beautiful Carson Valley with all four seasons of
golf. Richard & Louise bought a house in 1995 at the very new Genoa Lakes Country Club and were privilege to participate in setting up Homeowners' Association and the Men’s' & Women’s golf Clubs. Rich was a member of the new Senior Men’s' Golf Club of Carson Valley which played at Empire Ranch Golf course in Carson City. He was a champion on his flight in many tournaments played. Richard also joined the Douglas County Citizen’s patrol. He enjoyed serving on a weekly routes and special events. He was even honored as Douglas County Sheriff’s Department Volunteer of the Year.
Richards had a bucket list for his retirement. #1-boat for fishing Lake Tahoe. #2-restore and original Ford Model A to mint condition. #3-play golf wherever he was. #4-buy Loise a Rolls-Royce someday. He accomplished all four – although the Rolls-Royce was a golf cart.
Richard leaves his wife-Louise Bell, daughter Diane, and sons Brian & Scott. Stepchildren: Patrick, Lynn, and Ann. Grandchildren: Caryn, Cady, Courtney, Rachael & Dylan, Patrick, Michael, Ryan, John, Mary, Sarah, James, Christina, Catherine.
Richard loved his God, family, country, and the game of golf. He will be forever carried in our hearts.
Funeral Mass id Friday May 24th at 12:00 p.m. at St. Gall Church, Gardnerville.
Interment: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside CA June 21st, 2024, at 10:00 am.
And Reception following the Mass at St. Galls.