Walter Robert Bell

Walter Robert Bell, 95, died Thursday, October 16, 2008, in Dallas.

Memorial services will be held at noon on November 15, 2008, in the First Assembly of God in Clarendon with Rev. Matthew Stidham, Pastor, officiating. An additional memorial service will be held on November 30, 2008, at 4:00 pm at Westlake Community Church, 29295 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 with a reception following at the home of Maggie Boring. Inurnment will be held at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon on the Bell Family Lot. Services were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Walter Robert Bell was born in Clarendon, the son of Mitchell Edward and Tillie Nelson Bell. Walter’s father was a “JA Cowboy” when he met Walter’s mother and married her in 1895. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Battle Creek near Clarendon; and then in 1907, the Bells moved into Clarendon so the kids could get a better education. Walter was the fifth of six children and one of five boys. Having survived the Great Depression pumping gas at a Clarendon filling station and helping his family grow food on their farm for not only themselves but for many other families less fortunate, Walter met Zella Griegsby of Hedley and married her on October 15, 1940. Walter spent 40 years working for The Bendix Corporation, most recently as a Product Manager. He retired in 1978. During Walter’s retirement years, he spent many hours each week volunteering for Food Share, the Ventura County Food Bank in Camarillo, Calif., until his eyesight gave out. He also loved volunteering at the local hospital. Walter was a Mason and member of Ventura Council No. 15 Cryptic Masons in Ventura, Calif. He was also a member of Christian Church of the Hills in Agoura, Calif. where he was very active and had many close friends. One of Walter’s greatest pleasures in his later years was bowling. Although he was blind due to macular degeneration, his average was 118. He used to say that it wasn’t about the score, it was about the people. Although Walter suffered much sadness during his 95 years, he always had a positive outlook and a kind, gentle word for anyone who needed it. His generosity was overflowing. To know Walter was to love him, and he loved back with affection and sincerity. Walter’s last years were such a blessing to those he chose to care for him. He was never a burden; just a sweet, sweet darling man adored by all. He will be terribly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Zella; and their two children: Walter R. (Butch) Bell who died in 1989, and Susan Margo who died in 2001. Walter is survived by two grandchildren, Jennifer Albaeck and husband Trent of Newbury Park, Calif., and Adam Bell Carlson of Houston; two great-grandchildren, Conner and Delanie Albaeck of Newbury Park, Calif.; a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Bell, of Newbury Park; a son-in-law, Ken Carlson and wife Deborah Muse of Dallas who had the privilege of caring for Walter the three years before his recent death.