Obituary: Bell, Edward R.

USAF - Retired
February 9, 1932 - June 21, 2012

Ed was born in South Colby, WA to Raymond Bell and Eunice McDonough Bell.

After his graduation from South Kitsap High School in 1950 he worked in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyards before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1952.

Ed was a gunner during his 21 years in the service flying on B-24s, B-36s and B-52s retiring at Fairchild AFB in 1973 as Wing Gunner of the 92nd Bomb Wing of the Strategic Air Command.

After retirement from active duty Ed worked for 20 years as an Operations Superintendent at Spokane International Airport and retired in 1993.

Ed moved his family to Fairchild AFB in 1965 and to Spokane’s South Hill in 1973.

Ed was an athlete in his youth playing basketball and later was an outstanding pitcher in fast pitch softball while in the service.

Ed enjoyed bowling, cribbage and was a lifelong golfer and golfed with his buddies several times each week during his retirement.

Ed was a staunch supporter of the Washington Huskies, Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks.

Ed was active in his retirement taking on leadership roles in the homeowners association, senior center and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Ed was extremely kind, friendly and well-liked by all who knew him.

He loved his family, friends and neighbors and truly enjoyed people.

His kindness extended to anyone else who needed his help.

He was dearly loved and will be sincerely missed.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley Rosenbach Bell.

Ed and Shirley were married in Denver, CO on October 16, 1954.

Ed is also survived by his two sons Michael, Randy and wife Sherry and his only grandchild Jason who was the joy of his life.

Jason and ‘Papa’ were truly ‘best friends’.

Ed was one of nine children in his family and is survived by his brother Larry and wife Shirley of Auburn, WA.

Ed is predeceased by his parents and brothers Lyle, Dick, Alden, Bud and Donny, and his sisters Irene (Kimball) and Francis (Loch).

Ed will be remembered on Wednesday, June 27th at 11 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 5810 S. Meadowlane Rd, followed by a lunch reception; an inurnment will be held at Spokane Memorial Gardens at 5909 S. Cheney-Spokane, Rd.

Ed would have appreciated any memorial donations be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks specifically to Pastor Virtus Young and Lay Minister Susan Lingohr for their help and support during Ed’s passing and also to all of Ed’s friends and members of St. John’s for your support.