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Lt. Col. (Ret.) John Michael Bell
1956 - 2013
Lt. Col. (Ret.) John Michael "Taco" Bell, 56, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 in Mountain Home, ID.
Mike was born on Jan. 18, 1956 to Ed and Betty Bell in Louisville, KY. He attended grade school at St. Pius Elementary School and graduated from St. Xavier High School. Mike joined the Kentucky National Guard in 1979 where he began his distinguished career as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force while earning his MBA from Golden Gate University. He amassed over 6,000 hours of flight time, which includes 600 hours of combat time. Mike always said he was "Getting paid to have fun" while he flew the RF-4C Phantom II and the F4-G Wild Weasel fighter jets. During his 33 years of active military service, he became one of the first commanding officers for the C-130 Hercules Squadron as well as a Flight Instructor. He was honored with many prestigious awards and medals.
Mike had a contagious sense of humor and it was humbling to be in his presence. Kindness, loyalty, determination, goodwill, and generosity were foundations of his positive outlook on life. He was a man of his word and spoke with sincerity about the beauty in every sunrise, blessed every day to enjoy "God's free show." He explored it by camping, fishing, and four-wheeling with his children and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father and is survived by his three children with Lisa Parsons Bisbee (Steve): John, Jason, and Heather; brothers, Tom Bell (Jill) and Ed Bell (Carolyn); sister, Theresa Rogers (George); three nieces, five nephews; and companion Sally Guaspari.
A viewing for family and friends will be held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, 112 N. 9th St., Payette. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 11th at the First United Methodist Church, 502 N. 11th St., Payette. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Payette. Services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette.
Memorials may be made to the Boise VA Voluntary Service, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661. Condolences may be made to John's family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mike,
You were a great friend. I will always remember the great times we had in Louisville. You were certainly one of M/G Carl Black's "Best of the Best". Your career and reputation attest to that. To your children I say that you all could not have had a better man for a father. I knew him when you were just a twinkle in his eyes. If you would like to know something of him from his RF-4 days with the KYANG just contact me. Mike, just press on brother.
Bill Harkins, 123AW, KYANG (ret)
[email protected]
502 352 3205
Frankfort KY
Bill Harkins
January 23, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Bell Family. I flew with "Taco" many times. You could not find a more sincere and professional person, friend, and pilot. He will be truly missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
Major General (Ret) Larry Lafrenz
January 12, 2013
Taco, Thank you for teaching me the importance of being a leader among men. You will be missed but your legacy will live forever. To all the family members and friends...Peace be with you all. I will always remember the goodness that Taco so freely gave to all. God Bless
CMSgt Kris Kotter
January 11, 2013
Our prayers are with the Bell family, so sorry for your loss. Ray abd Sherry York
Raymond York
January 11, 2013
My deepest sympythy.
I really enjoyed Taco's humor and ehthusiasm for life.
Tim "Thumper" Siegel Maj. Ret IDANG
January 11, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Bell family. I always enjoyed Taco's friendliness and fun personality while working with him at IDANG. He was a good guy who will be missed.
Luann Hyde
January 11, 2013
May God bless and comfort Taco's family and friends. I will fondly remember him as an outstanding pilot, friend, and mentor. My heart is breaking for the loss of such a quality soul.
Kim Callahan
January 11, 2013
March 11, 1996, was the day Taco called me to say that I had been hired as a C-130 Pilot with the 189th Airlift Squadron. We flew together numerous times over the years. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity he gave me. Godspeed Taco.
Lt Col Rick Harper, IDANG
January 10, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to your family
Sandra King
January 10, 2013
John, Jason, Heather and Sally, and the Bell Family, my sincere condolence to you at this time. Godspeed "Taco." With deepest sympathy, Kenalee Pecora-Dougherty (ret. IDANG)
January 10, 2013
We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
WAYNE MILLER
January 10, 2013
Taco you were always the optimist and adventurer in every thing you did. Words simply cannot be said of the great loss you have left in all our hearts. Happier trails my friend!
Scott Wakefield
January 10, 2013
We always looked forward to drill weekend when we could be pretty sure to see Taco! He was always fun and a gentleman! All of the bartenders had a soft spot for Taco! Blessed Be!
Janet Weston
January 10, 2013
We remember Mike very fondly here at the Kentucky Air National Guard. He was an inspiration to many.
Maj Gen Stewart R. Byrne
January 10, 2013
RIP "Taco". You were my 1st fun softball coach for the Idaho Air Guard Women's team and it was good knowing you and I know the Idaho Air Guard was more than thankful to have you!
Linda Pitzer
January 10, 2013
It saddens deeply to hear this news. Please except my condolences and know that Taco made a difference. You couldn't help but be a better person if you were lucky enough to know or work with him. His smile is still contagious.
George Howard
January 9, 2013
My sincerest sympathy to your Family MIke. I will never forget your humor, your kindness, and your "Southerness." You were always a great guy to work for, and nothing but an asset in the IDANG. Godspeed and clear skys Taco.
Katie Schlekeway
January 9, 2013
I knew Mike when he was in the Motor Pool of the KYANG. I had the privilege to teach Mike how to drive a 28 passenger bus. I remember it like it was yesterday. We all encouraged him to become a Flyer. It is nice to know he did so well and touched so many people.
Howard Rutledge
January 9, 2013
My sincere condolences to Mike's family. I had the pleasure of flying with Taco in the KYANG, and although it has been quite a while ago, I vividly remember him as a special person. He was a talented aviator, a determined patriot, and a true gentleman. His ever present smile was a sincere reflection of his inner self, a happy, personable guy. We missed Mike when he left for Boise, and no doubt, many more will miss him now. Peace and sympathy to friends and family.
Ken Voelker
January 9, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Mike's family. Growing up with Mike was an experience I will always look back on with a smile. He was truly one of kind.
Steve McKiernan
January 9, 2013
To the entire Bell Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult of times. Mike was a joy and we be deeply missed by all who knew him. Take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord and once again reunited with Betty and Ed.
His spirit lives on in each of you.
Love,
The Reinhardt's
Laura Reinhardt
January 9, 2013
Sally, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I can't even think of it without tears running down my cheeks. I adored him. I always felt especially safe with him next door. He was my favorite neighbor to brag about. I will miss him terribly.
Carol Vaughn
January 9, 2013
I knew mike when we flew RF-4Cs in Louisville KY. We always made special stops at Boise just to experience his great sense of humor. Those fortunate enough to know Mike will surely miss him.
LTC "ret" John Wheeler
January 9, 2013
My sincerest sympathies for John, Jason and Heather. Your dad was always kind whether bringing you to orthodontic appointments, or bringing me fresh pheasant. He stopped by my office a couple of years ago to show me a picture of all three of you and assure me that John and Jason still had great smiles! He was beaming with pride as he briefed me on your adventures and accomplishments. He was a very proud papa!
Dr. Laura Lineberry
January 9, 2013
I pray that all the wonderful memories help to get Taco's family through this difficult time. RIP Mike, you were loved and respected by many.
Ret. Msgt. Enis&Teri Barton
January 9, 2013
I was sorry to hear of Taco's passing. I always enjoyed flying with Taco, especially on Functional Check Flights where we would test the capabilities of the Weasel. Taco sprinkled every briefing, flight and debrief with his great sense of humor and being around him always seemed to lighten any mood. I still enjoy telling stories of our adventures flying together. May God warmly receive his soul and may He comfort every heart that feels the pain of his loss.
Greg Sali
January 9, 2013
Bell Family - we are sorry for the loss of your brother - may God bring peace to your family - laura strobel ryan, bob and jillian ryan - stmm family
January 9, 2013
Mike's passing touches every member of the Kentucky Air National Guard family. He most certainly was a critical part of our legacy of excellence over the decades. I personally have vivid memories of the aftermath of Mike's successful ejection from a flaming RF-4 Phantom on his way to Savannah from our base in Louisville. Thanks for your faithful and dedicated service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the nation.
Major General Ed Tonini, The Adjutant General - Kentucky
Ed Tonini
January 9, 2013
I am very saddened to learn of Taco's passing and send my deepest condolences to his family. I was privileged to serve and fly with him during his time with the 123rd TRW in Louisville, KY. I cherish the fond memories of our service and friendship.
Brig Gen (Ret) Rick Ash
Richard Ash
January 9, 2013
I remember being a friend of Mike's at St. X HS in Louisville class of 74. He was smart, especially math, and had a quiet wit. From time to time I wondered where he wound up. I am not surprised he led such a proud and distinguished career. My prayers and condolences.
Joe Haming
January 9, 2013
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mike. As a member of the unit, he was respected and liked by both Enlisted and Officers. Always a friend and gentleman. The world would be a much better place if we had more people like Mike. Godspeed.
John Amshoff
Ky ANG
January 9, 2013
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad, my cousin. He was a great person, and I will miss his warm smile and wonderful sense of humor. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Love, Alice
Alice (Byrd) Hoffer
January 9, 2013
Tom,
We are so sorry to hear about your brother Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jill, Tommy, Rachel and your entire family!
Missy, Tank, Cody and Taylor Williams
January 9, 2013
One of the first of the "Southern Boys" in the IDANG. A pleasure to know, fly, hunt and fish with! I am so glad to have known you my friend! "You have the aircraft."
Marty "Iron Mike" Cooksey
January 8, 2013
You were such a "Southern Gentleman."
We are blessed to have known you.
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Kerrie & Chip Walters (Boise, ID)
January 8, 2013
Mike was such a good friend to my husband, Jay, and myself, and always such fun for our children. We all have many good memories of time spent with Taco and his kids.
So sorry.
Kay Stevenson
January 8, 2013
My son, David, needed some help to complete one of his college class assignments. Mike asked if he could help my son with his assignment and my son, to this day, remembers the friendship Taco extended to him some 15 years ago.
January 8, 2013
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation and an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one.
If you wish for a personalized memorial sympathy card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salutes, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, please send your request to:
Chaplain Richard Reuer
Honoring Those Who Served Ministry
1206 6th St SW
Minot, ND 58701
Or click on CONTACT ME to email a mailing address for which card be mailed to.
This service is a free to all veteran families. I wish to thank you for your serving from one veteran to another – Thanks!
Chaplain Richard Reuer
January 7, 2013
I was fortunate to have flown on Mike's wing in peace and combat and to count on him as my friend on the ground. Godspeed Taco. Outboard and up.
Larry Kauffman
January 7, 2013
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