Donald Wayne Bell

Don Bell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, died on June 27th due to Alzheimer’s disease. Don was born in Bristow, Nebraska, to Emma Eva Maria Zilles Bell and George Henry Bell. He was the third of five siblings, including Harry Bell (Alene), Ramona Bell Glauser (Russell), Loyd Bell (died at birth), and Gerald Bell (Marva). The family moved to Logan when Don was ten years old. They started farming, eventually purchasing the farm at the curve at the end of State Street in Richmond, Utah.

Don graduated from Logan High School and joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served on active duty during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, he returned to Richmond, where he worked on the family farm and attended Utah State University, majoring in Agronomy. He met Kaye Johnson at a church dance and quickly fell in love. Don and Kaye married in September 1954 and settled down in a little white house on a corner of State Street in Richmond. Don continued to work on his parents’ farm and completed his education. While living in Richmond, Don and Kaye welcomed three children: Kaydon, Daryl, and Dennis.

Upon Don’s graduation, the family moved to American Fork, where their daughters, Allyson and Bonnigene, were born. Don was employed as a soil scientist with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service for approximately 20 years. He enjoyed working closely with farmers throughout several different Utah counties to help improve their crop yields and productivity. This involved several moves, from American Fork to Morgan, back to Richmond, where Suzanne was joyfully received to complete the family, and ending with a few years in Price. Then Don tried his hand at an equipment rental business before eventually returning to Cache Valley for good. Don later worked in maintenance at Schreiber Foods and then, after retiring, ran the ski lift at Beaver Mountain; at both places, many coworkers became wonderful friends.

Although he was unable to participate in the Boy Scout program during his youth, Scouting became an important part of Don’s life as an adult. He served as a Scout leader for over 60 years, earning the Silver Beaver award in recognition of his years of dedication and the many young men he influenced for the better.

Don had a strong testimony of our Savior and of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, which he demonstrated by actions more profound than words. He and Kaye completed two missions, in California and in South Africa, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Don and Kaye also loved serving as ordinance workers in the Logan Temple, before and after their missions.

Don was an amazing caregiver to his eternal companion before her death from brain cancer in 2007, and he has missed her every day since. We have all been blessed by the example of Don and Kaye’s devotion.

Don was also predeceased by his parents, siblings, and grandson Jayde. His children survive him: Kaydon Bell Lusty (Kirk), Daryl Bell (Kim), Dennis Bell (Susan), Allyson Bell, Bonnigene Bell Nielson (Drew), Suzanne Bell Child (Chris); 22 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. Don’s enduring love of God, his country, his home of Richmond, and his family are precious legacies to all of us.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Richmond 2nd Ward Chapel, 150 S. 100 E., Richmond, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the same location prior to services.