Richard Arnold Bell

Richard Bell, 79, passed on July 25, 2019 at his residence.

Memorial Gathering:  Martins Funeral Home, 100 S. Morgan Street, Granbury, TX on August 12, 2109 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Burial at DFW National Cemetery on September 6, 2019 at 1:15 p.m. Memorials may be made to Pecan Plantation EMS, Acton UMC or Friends for Animals.

Richard was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Marian Bell, sisters Barbara Markham and Virginia Blessing and nephew, Jim Markham.

Richard was born on January 28, 1940 in Indianapolis, IN. At the age of five his family moved to North Richland Hills, Texas.

Richard graduated from Birdville High School in 1958.  Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two, three-year enlistments.  During his first three years he trained and earned his Parachutist Badge from the 101^st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and was selected as outstanding class graduate.  He also   earned his Ranger Arc Tab.

In 1963 after re-enlistment he was accepted into Special Forces training and earned his Special Forces Tab.  He opted to train to become a team medic.  It was during this medical training at Ft. Sam Houston that he met the love of his life and best friend, Carolyn.  After completion of his medical training soon thereafter they were married at Ft. Bragg, N.C.   He then became a proud member of the 12-man Green Berets “A” Team (5^th Special Forces (Airborne) (MACV-SOG).  His team received orders to deploy to Vietnam and was assigned to Camp Long Thanh.  While there he conducted daily sick call for the Vietnamese living in the camp and took care of any wounded that could be treated in the camp.  He received a waiver and was promoted to Staff Sergeant and offered the option to attend Officer Candidate School, but he wanted to return to civilian life to pursue his education.

After his tour of duty, they moved to Arlington and he attended UT Arlington and then on to UT Austin.  He earned his B.A. in Economics at UT and in later years earned his M.A. at UT Arlington.  After graduation a move was made to work at the Census Bureau as a Statistician.  After a year it was time to get back to Texas.   He was the offered a position with the Corps of Engineers in Dallas where he had a successful career as a Regional Economist and retired in 1995.  Richard enjoyed the Corps golf league and his Saturday golfing group, come rain or shine.

After retirement a move was made to Pecan Plantation.  He enjoyed golf with the Nutcracker Monday league and the Friday Pecan group.  He served on the Architectural Control Committee.

They joined Acton United Methodist Church thanks to their next-door neighbors, Thane and Sally Baker.   He was in the first Stephen Minister class and later became a Stephen Leader.  While living in Georgetown, TX for six years he was able to organize and lead Stephen Ministry at Wellspring UMC.  After six years it was time to get back to Pecan.  They rejoined Acton UMC.  He served on the Prayer Team and enjoyed ushering on Sundays.  He was an enthusiastic, active participant in the Bible Explorers Sunday School class until he was unable to attend.  He loved studying and reading the King James Version of the Bible and various other religious books, and he shared the Word with others.

Richard was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn, his sons Mike (Tonja), Mark (Sanya), grandchildren Elizabeth, Joshua, Candice, Jasmine; sister-in-law, Leona Prochnow, brother-in-law Jim Markham (Julie) and his nieces and nephews who loved calling him “Uncle Mophead” and many dear friends.

The family would like to thank Pecan Plantation EMS, Interim Health Care RN Brigette Clary and Jessica Esparza for their loving care.  Also, Dr. Bartosh, Nurse Prac. Goddard and RNs Brenda and Elizabeth at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.  Dr. Flournoy, Nurse Practitioner Geraldine Disnard and Shiloh Wood.