Rev. David A. Bell Sr., 69, of Scottdale, died suddenly Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at his home. He was born May 21, 1947, in Johnstown, a son of the late Gilbert and Alice Murphy Bell. David was an ordained elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church and attended Trinity United Methodist Church, Scottdale. He was a graduate of Hempfield High School, California University of Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He served numerous churches in the Western Pennsylvania Conference. David was a proud Vietnam War veteran, having served with the Army in the 1st Air Cavalry as crew chief of a chinook (CH-47) helicopter, during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received when his helicopter was shot down over Vietnam. He was also a recipient of the Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, the VCM Medal with 60 Devices, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Cavalry Brigade (T), three Over Seas Bars, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal; he attained the rank of specialist 5th class (sergeant). David was a loving husband, father and grandfather to his family and a friend to all who knew him. David is gone from our lives, but will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. David was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, the Rev. Audrey J. Bales Bell, whom he married April 20, 1969; and a loving father to his two sons and their spouses, the Rev. Dr. David A. "Drew" Bell and his wife, Sally, of Franklin, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan R. Bell and his wife, Anne, of Tionesta. He adored his four grandchildren Reed, Jackson, Asher and Tobin Bell. David also leaves behind his brother, Russell Bell and his wife, Janice, of Greensburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. David will be greatly missed by his furry "kids", Zena and Simon. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by two brothers, Gilbert and Donald Bell.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St. Scottdale. David's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, with his sons, the Rev Dr. David A. Bell and the Rev. Dr. Jonathan R. Bell, co-officiating, followed by full military honors accorded at the funeral home by the Southmoreland Veterans Association, Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, David's family suggests, memorials be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 343, Scottdale, PA 15683. To view online obituary, sign guest registry, send condolences or to obtain directions, please visit www.kapr.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Frank Kapr Funeral Home Inc417 W Pittsburgh St, Scottdale, PA 15683
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Frank Kapr Funeral Home Inc417 W Pittsburgh St, Scottdale, PA 15683
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