of Harrison, AR
August 19, 1924 - July 23, 2016
Fred Bell, age 91, of Harrison, was born August 19, 1924, in Lead Hill, Arkansas. He was raised in Boone County, Arkansas. He passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016, at the Newton County Nursing Home in Jasper, Arkansas. He graduated from Lead Hill High School in May 1946. He married Verba Barnes November 23, l95l and they were married for 60 years.
Fred started working for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a game warden in Boone County in September 1946. He was transferred to Newton County in May 1951. During his service, Fred was awarded Arkansas Wildlife Officer of the Year in 1968. He and Verba joined the First Baptist Church of Jasper in 1951. Fred served as a deacon in the church. He was active in the community serving on the Jasper School Board for 15 years. He was co-founder and scout master of the first Boy Scout Troop (Troop 139) in Newton County. This group won high regional honors. Fred also served 18 years on the Newton County Nursing Home board as well as numerous other boards and committees including Newton County Special Services, Buffalo National River Commission, State Jail Standards Commission, Farm Bureau Board, Jasper City Counsel, and the Jasper Cemetery Board.
Fred retired from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in 1986. He and Verba returned to Boone County and lived in Harrison, Arkansas.
Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife, Verba Bell; his parents, Jarrett and Elsie (Harwell) Bell; his sisters, Fern Chaney and June Harper; his son-in-law, Steve Hudson, and his great-granddaughter, Sarah Dessia Aldridge.
Fred is survived by his three children and their spouses, Dwayne Bell and his wife Elizabeth of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Gene Bell and his wife Paula of Mt. Judea, Arkansas, and Freda Hudson-James and her husband Geral James of Jasper; six amazing grandchildren; and six precious great-grandchildren.
Fred is also survived by his sisters, Reba Gann and Nelda Barnes, both of Harrison; his brothers, Neil Bell and Weldon Bell, both of Harrison; and a host of other family and many dear friends.
The love Fred had for God, family, friends, and community was evident to all those who knew him. His children and grandchildren consider themselves blessed to have such a loving, supportive, and giving father and grandpa. Fred and Verba enjoyed traveling with family and lifelong friends, Robert and Edna Burdine and Charlene and the late C.B. Hudson.
Visitation was Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was Friday, July 29, 2016, at Jasper First Baptist Church, with Rev. David Faught and Rev. David Stratton officiating.
Interment was in New Hope Cemetery, Omaha, AR.
Pallbearers were Billy Bell, Heith Aldridge, Josh Bell, Chris Grimes, Cody Hudson and Kyle Mallett.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 997, Harrison, AR 72602.
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11 Condolence(s)
Tammie Dewey
Friday, July 29, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr. Bell's passing. His gentle spirit, kindness, and his stories were always a pleasure.
John & MJ German
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Knowing & being fortunate enough to visit with him many times was a true blessing to us. We always listened with great interest on his tales of Newton County & his career. Our most enjoyable memory was hearing him sing. In church. We loved him. God Bless Fredia and his entire family.
Vicki Stuart and Betty Petree
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Dwayne, Freda and Gene,
Momma and I can never express our sorrow of the loss of your beloved father. We have so many wonderful memories of your Dad and my Grandma Pearl always considered him one of her dear friends. Your Dad used to come to our house to watch the Razorback Football games, especially the ones against Texas. In one particularly exciting game the Razorbacks were down by 6 when suddenly there was a break and run with Arkansas carrying the ball across the line for a touchdown! Your Dad kicked his feet, the chair turned over and the cup of coffee he was drinking went everywhere. The extra point was scored and Arkansas won the game. We were all worried about coffee stains on your Dad's shirt but that victory overshadowed any coffee stain and he assured us that Verba could get that coffee out. We have so many wonderful memories of not only your Father and Mother but of the precious family they raised. What a fine tribute to your wonderful parents the three of you are. Our prayers are with each of you that God will bring you peace, strength and comfort during this most difficult time. Jasper will always be our home filled with memories of your sweet family. Much love to each of you. You have all made your parents proud. God bless, Betty and Vicki
Mark Dunn
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Very saddened to hear about Fred's passing, he was an incredible man. You all will be in my prayers
Bonnie Brasel
Thursday, July 28, 2016
So sorry to hear that Fred is gone. He was a super guy and a good friend to our families and us. He will be missed. Sorry we couldn't make it to visitation or services. Prayers for you all. Richard and Bonnie Brasel.
Brice Smith
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Fred Bell, thanks for laying the foundation and paving the path for the rest of us. RIP
Terry and Marilyn Hensley
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Terry and I were so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He was a good man and we always thought a lot of him, as we do about all of you. You will be in our prayers.
Tim Macks
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Mr Fred was a great man. Always enjoyed his stories!
Bobby Joe Brasel
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Its been a while since I have lived in north west Arkansas. was raised in Newton County Fred was a person that I looked up to..RIP Fred
Lawrence and Debbie Lessenberry
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Bell family at the loss of such a fine man. He was such a blessing to everyone he met and we enjoyed knowing him and hearing him tell some of the stories of his life.
We are truly grateful that Chrissie is a part of such a wonderful family. May God be with you all during your time of loss.
Terry and Judy McGuire
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
We are so sorry for your lose, Fred was a wonderful man. We are both AGFC retirees.
Dwayne- Could you please email us.