David Bell Obituary

On April 19, 2023, David Anthony Bell was reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife Molly Bensen Bell who had passed away this past August. David was surrounded by his family as he ended his journey on this earth. David was born October 28, 1948, in Knoxville, Tennessee to Eugene and Eunice Bell. He was the 3rd born out of 9 children. He was a 1968 graduate of Bradley Central High School. After high school, David was drafted by the Army and completed basic training in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He received additional infantry training in Fort Polk, Louisiana prior to serving a year's duty in Vietnam. While stationed in Vietnam, Specialist Bell received the Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, a plaque for Meritorious Service in Support of Military Operations against Communist Aggression in the Republic of Vietnam, the Air Medal for Distinguished Achievement While Participating in Sustained Aerial Flight in Support of Combat Ground Forces in Vietnam, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Expert Rifle, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star for Exceptional Heroism In Connection With Ground Operations During Intense Enemy Fire. David served his country honorably from April 9, 1969, to March 31, 1970. David met Molly in late 1970 and the two got married on March 26, 1971. They had 3 children together: Brian Michael, Angela Marie, and Jennifer Rebecca. Always the doting parents, they often went without so the kids could enjoy vacations and participate in various sports. The family made numerous trips to Tennessee and Florida to see family and friends, and to visit the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World. David spent many years working road construction all over Alaska. He also worked for the Municipality of Anchorage and was a retired member of the Operating Engineers. David went on to be a doting grandparent as well. Always spoiling the grandkids, none of them ever went without. He enjoyed watching their baseball, softball, flag football, soccer, volleyball and hockey games. He spent his later years enjoying his retirement and traveling with Molly roading all over the United States meeting up with family and friends. Every summer in Alaska, you could find David and Molly camping in Seward with friends and family. It was by far their favorite place to be. From boating, campfires, and beach adventures to watching the kids and grandkids have good-natured fishing competitions of who could catch the biggest or the most fish. One of those amazing summers, David was lucky enough to reconnect with a fellow Vietnam Veteran, Tom McLean, in 2021 whom had not seen in 50 years. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife Molly, sister Gloria, sister Darlene, brother Mike, and parents Eugene and Eunice. David is survived by his sister Geneva and husband Robert of Cleveland, Tennessee; brother Donny and wife Valerie of Anchorage, Alaska; brother Arnold of Cleveland, Tennessee; brother Gary of Cleveland, Tennessee, and brother Alan and wife Renee of Cleveland, Tennessee; son Brian and daughter in-law Amanda of Eagle River, Alaska; daughter Angela and son in-law Joseph of Chugiak, Alaska; daughter Jennifer and son in-law John of Panacea, Florida; grandchildren: Aaron, Makayla, Brady, Sydney, Riley, Katelyn, Reagan, Kain, Russell, Taylor, and Preston; and great-granddaughter, Alina and great-grandson Ruslan. David is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and dear friends as well. A celebration of David's life will be held April 27, at the VFW, 10527 VFW Rd. , Eagle River, Alaska 99577, at 3 pm.