AUGUSTA – Robert Leroy Bell Sr., 75, passed away March 14, 2009, at Togus VA Hospice Unit with his family by his side. Bob was born Nov. 10, 1933, at home in Lamoine, the son of Edwin and Doris (Carter) Bell. Bob met and married his wife, Elizabeth J. Worden, in 1955. Bob proudly served his country during the latter part of Korea and Vietnam in the Naval Reserves, Seabees and Army. When Bob was 12 years old, he started working for the family well drilling company and upon returning from Vietnam, he started his own well drilling company, drilling numerous wells in and around Maine. Bobs favorite activities in life were his love of fishing, hunting, anything outdoors, and giving his great-grandchildren candy and cookies. He also loved to flirt and joke with all the nurses at Togus and Jamaica Plains VA. Bob was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Gilbert Bell Sr. and Carl Bell; infant son, Edwin, in 1960; and a very special nephew who he raised as a son, Gilbert “Pumkin” Bell Jr., who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. He was also predeceased by a very special aunt, Alma Worden. Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Bell; sister-in-law, Marie Bell; his children, Orelia Bobbett Hayden-Ladd, Raymond Bell and companion, Evalee Kimbal, Robert Bell Jr. and companion, Katrina Leighton, and Regina Mellor and husband, John; 12 grandchildren, Annie Mellor, Dustin Mellor, Aimee Roderiques, Robynn Hayden, Meaghan Thornton, Raymond “Ray Ray” Doughty, Crystal Doughty, Alysia Marston, T.J. Doughty, Christopher, Codey and Shania Bell; nine great-grandchildren, Ariana, Keara, Riley, Hayden, Kayden, Camden, Colby, Noah and Wayne; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. The family gives a very special thank you to all the nurses and doctors at Togus VA Hospice who were there for the family with answers, hugs, encouragement and a shoulder to cry on. A memorial service with full military honors will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday. March 18, at Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Chapel, Civic Center Drive, Augusta. A committal service will be held later this spring at Fairview Cemetery, Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.
ROBERT LEROY BELL SR.
