Charles Bell

Charles Bell

SAN Angelo

Charles Bell, 86, passed away during the early morning hours of June 15, 2013, as Jane, his devoted wife and friend, and their niece, Paula, were with him. In the days preceding his passing, he had been embraced and supported by their love and care and by the thoughtfulness of special friends.

Charles was born in Seymour, Texas, on March 28, 1927, to Frank and Lessie Bell. He was the fourth of their eight children. There had been his sisters -- Kathryn and Easter -- followed by five boys -- Floyd, Charles, Johnny, Roy and Elmer -- and the youngest sister -- Mabel.

Having been born in the years known as "The Depression", he would learn many of his life's values which would serve him well throughout his life. He had a great love for his family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. He enjoyed humor and shared laughter. He honored God and His teachings and was a man of faith. He believed in hard work and achieving its benefits. He enjoyed music and always had a song in his heart for others and rhythm in his feet.

Charles had moved with his family to Stamford, Texas, while in junior high school. He graduated from Stamford High School where he had enjoyed social studies and was No. 43 on the football team. During World War II, at the age of 17 in 1944, he volunteered for the US Navy and served in the Pacific theater on the USS Tuscaloosa, a heavy cruiser. Upon his discharge from the Navy in August of 1946, he began a 17 year career with the newspaper in ad composition. He worked for the Abilene Reporter News, the Ft. Worth Star Telegram and the San Angelo Standard Times. While working for the Abilene Reporter News in 1950, he met Jane Henderson and they married on February 12, 1951, and shared many rewarding years together. In 1952, they had a son, Randy Bell, whom they cherished and honored. Jane and Charles moved to San Angelo, in 1957, with their 4 year old son.

In 1964 he entered into a welding supply business venture known as Concho Industrial Supply. Charles enjoyed the challenge of building the business and especially his relationships with his business associates, employees and the customers, many of whom he considered to be his friends. In 1986, he sold the business after which he and Jane were privileged to travel together.

As their son was growing up, Charles and Jane were members of Park Heights Baptist Church, where Charles taught in the boys Sunday School class and helped with the church Boy Scout troop. In 1978, they became charter members of Southland Baptist Church where Charles served as deacon and member of the Friendship Bible study class.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, all of his brothers and sisters, his son, Randy Bell, who died in 1984, and nephew, Larry Henderson. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane, and very special nephews and nieces and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2013, at Southland Baptist Church, with Dr. Taylor Sandlin officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Randy Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund at Angelo State University, Water For All through Southland Baptist Church, or your favorite charity.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com