Carl Wilford “Bill” Bell, age 93, passed away on May 11th, 2018 at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow, Montana. Visitation will be on Wednesday May 16th at 6 PM at Bell Mortuary.. Bill’s service will be held at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow on May 17th at 11 AM. Interment will be at the Highland Cemetery followed by a reception and lunch at the VFW.
Bill was born in San Bernardino, California on August 25th, 1924 to Wilford and Kathryn Bell. Bill was raised in Malta. He was involved in band, sports, and community activities. He was proud to be a Malta Mustang. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II on the USS Suwannee. Prior to his deployment he married Dorothy Larson in Everett, Washington and post war he went to Mortuary Science School in St. Louis, Missouri, returning to Malta to work with his father until 1957. Bill and Dorothy moved their family of six children to Glasgow and Bell Mortuary began. He was active in the Congregational Church, a member of the Masonic Lodge, DeMolay, Shriners, American Legion Post 41, and the VFW. He was commander of the National Guard in Malta for several years. Bill was a patriot. He was president of the Montana Chamber of Commerce and the Montana Aeronautics Commission. He was a welder, stone mason, pilot, carpenter, avid hunter, vocalist, actor, farmer, and boat enthusiast.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-three years, Dorothy, his parents and his sister Betty Smith, sons-in-law Marvin Edwards and Scott Alexander, and grandson Daniel Cunneen. Bill was extremely proud and honored to have the wonderful family that he and Dorothy created. Their beautiful children are Cherie Edwards of Chinook, Steve Bell (Vickie) of Glasgow, Kathy Sather (Terry) of Billings, Kari Wiens (Richard) of Glasgow, Kent Bell (Kathy) of Glasgow, and Jenny Cunneen (Mick) of Billings.
He is also survived by grandchildren Camia Savage, Tyler Edwards, Eric Edwards, Sean Edwards, Nicole Gleason, Lisa Ball, Jenna Marsalek, April Sather, Amber Sather, Ben Sather, Christopher Wiens, Nathan Wiens, Jonathan Wiens, SaraAnn Rasmusan, Brian Bell, Katie Maehl, Brad Bell, Seth Cunneen, Kara Cunneen, Tessa Berl, and 43 great-grandchildren.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 16, 2018
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 17, 2018
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Thursday May 17, 2018
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
12:30 p.m.
Thursday May 17, 2018
VFW Fort Peck Post #3107
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 16, 2018
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 17, 2018
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Thursday May 17, 2018
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
12:30 p.m.
Thursday May 17, 2018
VFW Fort Peck Post #3107
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Tom Grymes says
Kent and Steve,
We are very sorry for the loss of your father.
His legacy in funeral service is well represented in your family.
Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Tom & Carron Grymes
Hamilton, MT
Greg Kirkwood says
So sorry for your loss. I have the opportunity to work for Bill part-time for a few months in the first part 1966. I always valued the education he gave me and the gentleman that he was.
Ruth Ann and Stan says
Stan and I will be out of town and will not be ale to pay our respects to one of “THE GREAT GUYS!” Bill was always so friendly and personable. We are keeping you in thought and prayer.
Ruth Ann Hutcheson says
Stan and I will be out of town and will not be ale to pay our respects to one of “THE GREAT GUYS!” Bill was always so friendly and personable. We are keeping you in thought and prayer. Ruth Ann and Stan
Kathy & Doug James says
We are sorry for your loss and thankful for a life well lived. I have enjoyed hearing the stories about Bill and your family over the years and I know these memories will continue. We are thinking of you as you say goodbye to your wonderful dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend.
Doug and Kathy James says
We are so sorry for your loss and thankful for a life well lived.
Curtis & Beverly Jacobson says
Steve, Cheri, & Kent:
So sorry to read of your father’s passing. During my three years in Glasgow (1961-1964) he became a good friend through watching athletic events and singing together in the Congregational Church. I admired his common-sense approach to business. I know you will miss him very much, but rest in the fact he is in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Douglas R Loomer says
Steve and Kent
My thoughts are with you with the loss of your dad. I remember fondly the good times I enjoyed working for him for several summers during my college years and I know from what he taught me I could still build a great rock wall today.
Doug Loomer
buck archambeault says
Family of Bill Bell:
Probably one of my father’s best friends. They loved to discuss farming and they kidded each other whenever I was with them. Bill was a great speaker and I learned a lot from attending banquets where he was the master of cer
buck archambeault says
mony.
Best Wishes to all of you.
Gerald “Buck” Archambeault
Andrea (Johnston) Dobbs says
Bell kids: To all the descendants of Bell/Larson families, we offer our sympathy and heart felt regards for your sadness at this time. I cannot count the times you greeted us in our times of sorrow and ended the ceremony of burial “up on the hill” especially the time honored military send offs – how did you ever arrange for the jets to fly over in our Montana Big Sky when dad passed? We can only hope our prayers and condolences will help you through the days ahead. Love from the Johnston kids: Cathlyn, Charles, Andrea, Michael and Barry
Lee & Marlyce Barndt says
Bell Family:
Marlyce & I have been out of the loop for a while & missed your dad’s obituary until now. We send our condolences your way.
We live in Hermiston, Oregon now, but would like to hear from Steve & Kent.
our email will be below.
Lee & Marlyce Barndt