Kenneth Bell

Kenneth Wayne Bell, age 78, of Fort Sumner, NM died Sunday, May 2, 2010, at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, NM. Kenneth was born June 22, 1933 in Fort Sumner to the home of Orval and Nancy (Bowlin) Bell. Kenneth was the baby of the Bell Family, having one older sister, and three older brothers, one of whom passed away as an infant. Kenneth attended Fort Sumner Schools and graduated in May 1951. Kenneth accepted a football scholarship and attended ENMU in the fall of 1951. Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth Price, on April 27, 1952 in Gallup, NM. Kenneth and Mary were blessed with a son, Kenneth Wayne Bell, Jr. on April 2, 1953; a daughter, Katherine Ann Bell, on December 4, 1957. Kenneth and Mary made their family home in Fort Sumner after the birth of their daughter. In January 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Kenneth underwent basic training in San Diego, followed by Aviation Machinist Mate training in Norman, OK. After his training in Norman, Kenneth was stationed at Corpus Christi, TX where he became a flight engineer on a PBM (Patrol Bomber Mariner) Sea Plane. The final Navy assignment took Kenneth to Hawaii in 1955, where he was the Captain of a small twin engine plane. After being discharged from the Navy in 1956, Kenneth worked as a Jet Engine Mechanic at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. In 1958, Kenneth moved his family back to Fort Sumner. Kenneth and Mary purchased and operated Bell’s Variety and Sporting Goods Store. In 1962, Kenneth went to work for the U.S. Postal Service where he was employed for 16 years. He retired as Postmaster of the Fort Sumner Post Office in 1988. Throughout his many years, Kenneth was actively involved in many organizations, including: Volunteer fireman, President of the Fort Sumner Ex-Student Association, Area Director of the March of Dimes, Chairman of the Hospital Fund-Raising committee, Economic Development Leader, Little League Coach, member and past President of the Fort Sumner Cemetery Board, Fort Sumner City Councilor for 8 years, President of the Pecos Valley Lions Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the ENMNG Board of Directors, as well as President of the De Baca County Senior Citizens Board of Directors. Kenneth enjoyed woodworking, fishing and hunting, dancing with his wife of 44 years, traveling, and playing in on-line poker tournaments. He is preceded in death by his parents Orval and Nancy (Bowlin) Bell, three brothers, Carl Orval (infant), Al, and Billy, his wife, Mary Elizabeth Price Bell, and his grandson Joshua J. Wayne Bridges. Survivors include his son, Kenneth Wayne Bell, Jr.; a daughter, Katherine Ann Bridges and her husband Windell,; a granddaughter, Wendy Dae Bridges Williamson and husband Larry, two great-grandchildren Rae-anne Elizabeth Jane and Chase J. Wayne Williamson all of Fort Sumner, and a sister, Flora Mae Fisher and husband Dennis of Bulverde, TX. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from The Church on The Hill with Sister Anna Teeter officiating. Burial will follow in the Bell family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include J.W. Wilson, David Bailey, Hubert Marshall, James West, Jimmy Bell, Mike Melton, and Josh Abeyta. Honorary Pallbearers include all his friends and family. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1PM to 6Pm at the funeral home. The family prefers memorial contributions in memory of Kenneth to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.