Paul Bell

Paul Lewis Bell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather (G-PA), went to be with the Lord, September 30, 2018 surrounded by his loving children and faithful wife of 65 years, Connie. Paul was the second son born, June 14, 1927 in St. Louis, MO, to James Monroe Bell and Virginia Louise Bell. He had one older brother, James Gilbert and one younger brother Ronny and 2 step- sisters Dolly Hubbard and Joann Blazejewski. His military career began at the young age of 17 when he joined the Merchant Marines to see the world. He became a little disillusioned with what seemed more like swabbing the decks and decided to leave to work with an uncle in Wisconsin tending bar. The military had different ideas and drafted him not once but twice into the Army Air Corp. The amazing thing about this act was that Paul had vision in only one eye as he was blinded in the other from an accident in his youth. In the Army he had served as a soldier in the Korean War where he received a Bronze Metal and several service accommodations. This would be throughout his military career. Ultimately he would enlist into the Air Force and retire with full honors as a Senior Master Sargent at Randolph AFB, TX. Paul was always an active member of Randolph Air Force Base Chapel 1 since 1973 when he was assigned to work at MPC, RAFB. He served as head usher for over 40 years. He cherished his military church family and loved his Christian brothers, the Protestant Men of the Chapel. Upon retirement of active duty, Paul was not content to just "play golf" and sit at home, so he went to work another 20 years civil service at Fort Sam Houston. Golf was a passion and Mr. Bell had two hole in ones during his lifetime. After retiring civil service, Paul served as a volunteer at Greater Randolph Services Program for 29 years refusing to be paid, "when he had enough money to live on". He was honest, faithful, direct, humble and a man of great integrity. Paul leaves behind a legacy far greater then what can be shared here; 5 birth children, James Paul, Susan Katherine, Betty June, Michael Ronnie, Margaret Louise, and their spouses whom he loved, Sue, Americo, Dick, Rebecca and Scott, 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren with one great grand-child on the way. Even though Paul did not start out in life experiencing a traditional, loving family, he discovered it and cherished it after marrying his one and only true love, Connie, and by raising his own family. His legacy of love has transferred down through four generations and will continue holding on to the values he held most precious, God, Family, and Country. A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018, 11:00am at the River City Community Church. Graveside service will be conducted on Friday, October 12, 2018, 10:30am, at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, where he will receive full US Air Force Honors. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

.