Verl W. Bell

Pocatello- Verl W Bell passed this life to be with his blue-eyed blond, Beulah, parents, brothers, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter on Friday, July 27, 2012. What a marvelous reunion he is having with many who preceded him in death. He passed away at Portneuf Medical Center due to congestive heart failure.

He was born in Pocatello, Idaho, to Leonard and Adna Byington on April 22, 1923. He was the first born of three boys and one girl.

He was a life-long resident of Pocatello, Idaho and graduated from Pocatello High School along with his sweetheart, Beulah Stuart Bell. Their romance of two years along with 65 years of marriage culminated in 67 years of love and happiness. They were married on October 24, 1942 and sealed for all eternity in the Logan Temple on May 4, 1943. After only one month of marriage, Verl left to serve in World War II.

The Bell's were blessed with two girls and four boys (one set of twins). His children agree that their best memories were centered around the A&W Root Beer stand where they were taught incredible work ethics by their father and also the fond memories they have of the time spent at their family cabin at Island Park.

Verl enjoyed gardening so much and had a garden every year until his passing. He loved to golf, snow ski, fish, hunt and to go snowmobiling and boating with the family.

Verl loved to tell his children and grandchildren of his service in World War II. He served in the Air Corps Glider Mechanics and as a Turret Gunner. He flew 18 B-24 combat missions.

The Bell's owned and operated several local businesses including Bell Trucking, A&W Root Beer Stand and 39 Flavors/Stinker Gas. Verl was a retired custodian for the LDS Seminary and also drove part-time for Enterprise Car Rental.

Verl faced several health issues in the last few years. He got shingles in April of 2011 and suffered with them up until the time he passed. He said they were the worst pain he ever had. He had knee replacements and a hip replacement and the doctors were amazed at his quick recovery. He was a true fighter and even those shingles did not get him down.

Verl served in several capacities in the LDS Church. He served a Stake Mission as well as a mission at the Bishop's Storehouse. He served in two Bishoprics, two Elder's Quorum Presidencies, as well as Elder's Quorum President and seven years on the High Council. Whatever he was called to do, he gave it all he had and did a tremendous job. What a great example he was to his children of service in the gospel.

Verl is survived by five of his six children; his daughter, Janet Moon preceeded him in death in March of 2010; Connie (Cliff) Spears; Ted (Robyn) Bell; Ned (Michele) Bell; Leonard (Loa) Bell; David (Rose) Bell; his sister, Dona (Doug) Trego; 31 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Adna Byington Bell, brothers ,Gale Bell and Keith Bell, brother in laws, Sam Lish and Jim Kinney, his son- in- law, Gary Moon, granddaughter, Kristie Lee Moon.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Highland Third Ward Chapel (Butte and Hiskey) with Bishop Ted Schow officiating.

The family will receive friends Monday evening July 30, from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave and on Tuesday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens with military rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.