Obituary: Carl W. Bell

Posted 11/2/21

Carl W. Bell, 96, of Boyd’s Mills, PA passed away quietly in his home on Monday, October 25, 2021. His beloved wife, the former Helen Heiser, preceded him in death on May 14, 2016. They were …

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Obituary: Carl W. Bell

Posted

Carl W. Bell, 96, of Boyd’s Mills, PA passed away quietly in his home on Monday, October 25, 2021. His beloved wife, the former Helen Heiser, preceded him in death on May 14, 2016. They were married 67 years.

Born in Lake Ariel on June 18, 1925, he was the son of the late Spencer and Jennie Marshall Bell. A graduate of Lake Consolidated High School, Carl enlisted in the Army Air Corps when he was 17 years old.

After completing training, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and received his silver wings. Carl was assigned to the 13th Air Force, 394th Squadron, 5th Bomb Group, where he flew 44 combat missions in the South Pacific during World War II. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with five Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, two Air Medals, two Oakleaf Clusters, the Taiwan Badge of Honor and 2nd China Offensive.

After the war, Carl enrolled in East Stroudsburg State Teachers College (now East Stroudsburg University), graduating in 1950. He taught school in Damascus, PA, and coached boys’ and girls’ basketball and volleyball as well as boys’ baseball.

Active in the community, Carl was one of the charter members of the Damascus Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was a first aid and CPR instructor as well as an EMT.

He was the co-founder of the Damascus Teeners baseball team and served as its first coach.

A strong supporter of the American Red Cross, he was a 12-gallon blood donor and he and Helen were both pheresis donors.

Carl was a member of the Damascus Manor United Methodist Church and served for many years as a trustee.

After retirement, he and Helen enjoyed traveling.  He also was a lover of the outdoors and loved hunting and fishing (especially in Canada) and tending his garden.

Carl was a devoted family man who loved his wife and family dearly, always supporting his children and grandchildren in their various activities.

In addition to his wife, Helen, he was preceded by a brother, Raymond, and a sister, Marjorie Chapman, both of Lake Ariel.

Surviving are his three children and their spouses: David (and Monica) Bell, Moraga, CA; Daniel (and Mary Freda) Bell, Sanibel, FL and Kathy (and Jack) Henderson, Milanville, PA. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Bell (MD), Scott (and Stephanie) Bell (OR), Sarah Bell (CA), Brandon (Danielle) Hull (AZ), Allison (Ralph) Quillen (FL), John Bell (FL), Daniel (Bridget) Bell (CO), Rebecca (Jason) Maciejewski (PA), Brooke (Kory) LaTourette (PA), Richard (Jennifer) Henderson (PA); and 18 great-grandchildren.

Carl was a loving and humble man of faith, integrity, kindness and generosity. He leaves us with a legacy and influence that will live beyond his physical life, not only for his family but also for the students, the community and the country he served. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral arrangements:  All events will occur at the Calkins Baptist Church Community Center, 527 Calkins Rd. in Milanville.

Friday November 5: viewing from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 6: viewing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; service at 11 a.m.

Following the service, a luncheon will be served.

Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St., Honesdale.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Damascus Manor Methodist Church, 1720 Cochecton Turnpike, Damascus, PA 18415 or  the Damascus Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 1290 Cochecton Turnpike, Tyler Hill, PA 18469.

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