Ray Bell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ramon H. 'Ray' Bell, age 94, Joplin, passed away at 9:03 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Missouri Veterans Home after an illness.

Ray was born July 29, 1921 in Newton, Iowa to the late Ramon A. Bell and Myrtle Hall Bell and made Iowa his home through his high school years. He attended Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa and enlisted shortly after, serving in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

Ray was discharged in 1946 in San Francisco, California and planned to return to Iowa. A buddy that he had met in Burma, Clark Anglen, hitched a ride with Ray to Joplin on the way. While in Joplin, Clark introduced Ray to a childhood friend, Betty Zumwalt. Two months and twenty three days later, on January 23, 1947, they were married. She survives at the home.

Following his military service, he worked as a bartender at the former Connor Hotel for seven years, then worked in the wholesale liquor and beer industry for 37 years, retiring as manager of Empire Beverage, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer in 1985.

Ray was a lifetime member of the Joplin Elk's Lodge #501 and past Commander of Earl J. Bruton V.F.W. Post 534 and a member of the American Legion Post #322, Webb City. Ray enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading old western books and coaching little league baseball.

Additional survivors include three sons, Randy Bell and wife, Nancy, Joplin, Michael Bell and wife, Laura, Topeka, Biff Bell and wife, Kim, Joplin; sister, Dorice McElvoy, Yankton, South Dakota; two grandchildren, Brent Bell, Jeffery Bell; great grandson, Liam Bell; step granddaughter, Meagan Harmon and husband, Landon; step great grandchildren, Jake Hardy, Klaire Hardy, Bentley Harmon, Cresslee Harmon; niece and nephew, Barbara McClelland and Doug Bell; and several other extended family members.

Cryptside services with military honors are planned for Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Mausoleum. Jim Willis will officiate. Pallbearers will be Randy Bell, Mike Bell, Biff Bell, Brent Bell, Jeff Bell, and Liam Bell. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Elk's Club Christmas Basket Program, in care of Parker Mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.