Lewis Bell, Jr.

Lewis Bell, Jr., 94, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Monday, July 11, 2016, at Olathe Medical Center. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M., Friday, July 15, 2016, at the mortuary. Inurnment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Lewis was born Tuesday, June 27, 1922, in Ottawa, the son of Elmer Lewis Sr. and Mary Jane (Griffin) Bell. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1940. Lewis began serving his country in the United States Army during World War II from October 1942 to December 1945. He served as an automobile body repairman receiving the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the American Theater Ribbon. He obtained the rank of Technician Fourth Grade. Lewis was united in marriage with Daisy “Babe” Gates August 31, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas. She preceded him in death March 18, 2003. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Eunice Stine and Roberta Baldwin. Survivors include his daughter, Lewanna Bell-Lloyd of Spring Hill; brother, Roger Bell and wife Dorothy of Ottawa; and two grandchildren, Evan Lloyd of Wellsville, and Rhiannon Lloyd of Spring Hill. Lewis began employment with Crites Body Shop in 1942. In 1957, he became the owner/operator of the Bell Wrecker Service, a “25-hour a day” wrecker business, operating out of Crites’ building, retiring June 30, 1986. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Ottawa Lodge 803, and was an active long-time member of the Ottawa Recreation Commission. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Ottawa Elks Club Lodge 803 c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Lewis’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com