Arthur Bell, Jr

Arthur Hartry Bell, Jr - 1926-2016

Art Bell died Sunday Oct. 30 after turning 90 years old the day before. He served in the Navy in WWII so became a member of the "Greatest Generation".
Born is Kansas City, Missouri, he spent his early years in Kansas City then the family followed his father when he continued his military career in other posts in the states. The family returned to the area in time for Art to finish high school at Paseo High School where he was an all-star member of the football team.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a radio operator flying in a USN sea plane. His next stop was the University of Missouri where he was a Lambda Chi Alpha. He met his wife, Elizabeth, of 65 years when she attended an exchange dinner at the fraternity with her sorority.
In 1957, the family moved to Reading, PA, to join the Reading Eagle as the Assistant Circulation Manager. He remained with the Eagle until he retired in 1991 as the Director of Circulation.
Always a hard worker, he lent his talents to several local organizations. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, he served as elder, deacon, and trustee several times. He and his wife went on mission trips to Africa and South America.
He was a member of the Reading Rotary club for over 50 years serving as President and in other leadership roles. He was a Paul Harris Fellow.
The Boy Scouts claimed his interest for over 70 years. He was a Board member of the Hawk Mountain Council. He served on the staff of the Wood Badge classes and National Jamborees. He was a James E. West Fellow and was received the Silver Beaver award.
He was a Mason, Scottish Rites and a Shriner. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Moselem Springs Golf Club. He enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states and had traveled to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
They had decided recently to leave Reading and move closer to their son, Joe and his family who lives in Vienna, WV. They bought a house there and we're looking forward to being closer to family. They were in the midst of the move when Art died.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, and son Joseph (Sandy) and grandchildren Joseph Bell Jr. (Melissa) and Sarah AB West (Rick) and great-grandchildren, Madison, Kailee, Carleigh, Sydney, and Quinton.
His parents Ruby and Arthur Bell Sr., and his sister Helen Shannon preceded him in death. Memorial Service will be held in Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, North 16th & Rockland Streets, Hampden Heights, Friday, November 11, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3:00 to 4:00 P.M. Graveside Services will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 9:30 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hawk Mountain Council - Camp Scholarships Fund, 5027 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA 19605; Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL. 33606; Rotary Club of Reading Foundation, P.O. Box 7826, Reading, PA. 19603. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com