Ernest D. Bell

BELL, DECKER, WAITMAN, ELSBERRY, KEEGAN, HALL, FISHBAUGHER, CARPENTER

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 3/12/2008 at 13:40:23

INDEPENDENCE — Ernest D. Bell, 77 of Independence, died Monday morning, March 10, 2008 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, following a short illness.
Ernie was born on October 18, 1930 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Gilbert and Goldie (Decker) Bell. He graduated from a Cedar Rapids High School and attended Life Bible College in Los Angeles, Calif. Following the completion of his education he returned to Cedar Rapids and became employed with Rockwell Collins Mfg. Co. until his retirement in 1985. On June 4, 1977 he was united into marriage to June V. Waitman at Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence. The family made their home in Independence and Ernie was noted for his piano playing at the nursing homes and churches in Independence.
He is survived by his wife June Bell, Independence; two daughters; De Anna (Rick) Elsberry, Marshalltown, Donna Keegan, Tulsa, Okla., four Sons; James (Berta) Bell, Redwing, Minn., Jerry (Andrea) Bell, Colorado Springs, Colo., Tony (Jan) Hall, Parkersburg, and Harley Hall, of California. Fourteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, two sisters; Ellyn Fishbaugher, Preston, Minn., Jane Carpenter, Cedar Rapids, and a brother; Eardley “George” Bell, Cedar Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister; Bernadette Bell, and three brothers; John Bell, Elwyn Bell and Gilbert “Pete” Bell.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2008 at the Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence with Rev. John Cupryna officiating. Burial will be in the Wilson Cemetery, Independence. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, and from 9 a.m. to services Friday at the church.