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Chesley Adams Bell, Jr.
1940 - 2023
Chesley Adams Bell, Jr.
1940 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1940
DIED
2023
Chesley Bell, Jr. Obituary
Chesley Adams Bell, Jr., 82, of Denton, passed away at his home on April 1, 2023. He was born on June 4, 1940, in Hallsville, Texas to Chesley Bell Sr., and Nina Marie Bell.
He earned his Master’s Degree in Music Education from UNT, and was a high school Band Director in Raymondville, Texas, and Mission, Texas. He was the Music Minister at the Church of the Good Shepherd in McAllen, Texas, and at Asbury Methodist Church in Denton, Texas. He was also active in the music scene in Denton, in the Community Band, director of the Young at Heart Swing Band, and various other musical groups.
He is predeceased by his brother, Wilfred Bell, and sister, Euba Bell Harris.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Bell of Denton; son, Robert Allan Bell, and wife, Jodi Bell, of Plano; daughter, Mary Kathryn Bell of Denton; and grandchild, Rae Bell. and partner Ashley Bell of Greenville, North Carolina.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm, on Friday, April 14, at DeBerry Funeral Home, 2025 W. University, Denton, TX. Funeral Service will be held at Journey Fellowship Church, 2227 N. Carroll Blvd., in Denton, on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, TX.
One of C.A.’s favorite charities was for the missionary work that 2 of his former students, Steve and Georgiana Thomas, are doing in Costa Rica. They are providing temporary housing for single mothers and care for their children while the mothers are going back to school or learning a trade so that they can support their children. Donations there in C.A.’s name would be appreciated. If you would like to donate to this charity, you can donate online at cornerstoneinternational.org/thomas.
Joanna Hazlett
April 16, 2023
Mr. Bell taught us, both in the band room and in church, lessons and skills that have continued all through life. The memories of getting to be a part of cantatas and productions are some of the most memorable and fun. The skills that I learned in band have been applicable all through life- not giving up, practicing, listening, working with others and most importantly to worship the Lord. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Bell for giving your lives to the student and families of Good Shepherd Christian School and Good Shepherd Church.
With love and gratitude, Joanna Johnson Hazlett (student from GSCS)
Stephanie Sidoti
April 13, 2023
C.A. brought so much light and joy to those around him through his passion for music. Both through his own musical talents and encouraging the musical abilities of those around him. It was such a pleasure to play under his guidance in the instrumental ensemble at Asbury. In all my subsequent moves to different states, I have yet to attend another church with a musical presence of so many different instruments and voices that C.A. led. It was definitely special for me to be able to share my musical talents in such a way. It was always a pleasure playing with C.A. and being led by his passion. He will be greatly missed, but memories of his music will live on.
Joy Vander Ecken
April 8, 2023
Great memories of the Good Shepard days, wonderful music. Bro Bell was so very talented
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Elva Martinez
April 6, 2023
Ray and I met you and MJ at Journey Fellowship. You left a great impression on us, we so enjoyed watching and hearing you worship in song. We will cherish your wisdom. Until we meet again.
Yvonne Dorsey Bell Jackson
April 6, 2023
I so regret not being able to come see CA & family this past year. CA & the family pretty much saved me during my high school years. So many memories, going to the beach, learning to ride CA's motorcycle, camping in the popup, taking down said popup in the rain, staying with the kids while CA & MJ went to Reynosa to take in kids from an orphanage that caught fire.
Learning about God's word and the Holy Spirit.
Three men from the pictures I posted are now in Heaven and they each left a hole in my heart. All tied back to CA.
You were a blessing to me.
You are so missed and will never be forgotten. Save me a spot with the timpani drums.
Love, Dorsey
CA, Jack Strawn, myself , Mary Jane. Meeting for lunching San Antonio.
Yvonne Dorsey Bell Jackson
April 6, 2023
Joel & I surprised CA & Mary Jane at their 60th Anniversary.
Yvonne Dorsey Bell Jackson
April 6, 2023
Jodie Rios
April 6, 2023
C.A., it was a real pleasure playing in DCB with you all these years. We miss you!! Prayers for the family, for peace and comfort. Jodie Rios
April 6, 2023
Mr. Bell was our Band Director at Raymondville High School during my Junior and Senior years, 1967-1968.
He was a kind and gentle man, always ready with a smile and encouragement, a positive influence in my life.
I will always remember him with gratitude for his patience with a rowdy teenage boy who couldn't alway focus. He would just smile and point me back in the right direction.
Thank You "Mr. Bell". You Live on in our Hearts.
Bruce Smith - RHS Class of '68
Beverly Richey Strong
April 5, 2023
Some of my fondest memories were times as an RHS band student under Mr. Bell’s leadership. He led with passion and integrity and strove to imbue the same in all of us. May MJ, Kathy and the rest of his family be comforted and encouraged by the legacy of this great, great saint. We were all blessed by him.
C.A. riding on pet donkey "Popcorn"
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
C.A. with father Chesley Bell Sr.
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
C.A. with mother Nina Bell
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
C.A in front of North Texas University apartments.
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
C.A. teaching Robert about woodwind instruments.
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
Mary Jane & C.A. Wedding day
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
C.A., Robert-age 3 and Kathy-newborn
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
Church of the Good Shepherd McAllen Texas-Christmas Cantata
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
Church of the Good Shepherd McAllen Texas. Event in the park.
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
Kathy Bell
April 5, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful father. We will love you and miss you always.
Bill DeBerry, Jr. & Andrew DeBerry
April 5, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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