Michael Owen Bell Sr.

Michael Owen Bell Sr., age 82, of Austin, Texas joined his beloved wife and parents Monday, December 16, 2019 in eternal life. Michael was born March 24, 1937 to J.C. and Winifred Bell in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Michael grew up in Houston, Texas and attended Reagan High School where he was National Honor Society - President, Student Council - Treasurer, voted as a Senior Class Favorite, and on the Tennis Team. Michael was an avid reader and a student Pilot. His dream was to become a Naval Aviator. He graduated high school in 1955. He attended the University of Oklahoma and was in the AFROTC - Sabre Air Command - Squadron 1, and in the Eagle Chasers Flying Club. During his Freshman year at OU Michael married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Anne Clark. At the end of Michael's Junior year at OU, Anne was homesick for Houston so Michael transferred to the University of Houston where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Business Administration in 1959. Michael was accepted to The Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD but due to a shoulder injury (Chronic Anterior Dislocation) was unable to continue his training as a Naval Aviator, though they wanted him to stay as a Naval Officer, Michael declined as he did not want to be on ship. Michael returned to Houston and started his career at IBM.

He and Anne raised their 3 children together who love and adore them to this day. Michael loved his wife, children and grandchildren dearly as they love and admire him. He treated everyone with dignity and respect and his friends and family respected him. His stories, wit and warmth will be missed and cherished. Michael retired after 33 years with IBM. He and Anne then moved to a small town, restored a victorian home and ran a bed & breakfast for several years until the passing of his wife, Anne.

Michael suffered a devastating stroke in 2018. He moved to the Longhorn Village Skilled Nursing Facility where he received wonderful loving care and they became a second family to him. His daughter Carol visited and spent valuable time with Michael most everyday and his other daughter Beth and son Michael Jr made frequent trips from Dallas to spend time with him. His grandchildren and brother, Harry and sister-in-law, Virginia visited him regularly as well. Michael was always surrounded with love, respect and compassion. That is how he treated people and he received it in return.

Michael is survived by his children: Michael Owen Bell Jr., and his wife Donna Kathrin; Carol Anne Moore and her husband Jim Moore; Mary-Elizabeth 'Beth' Igoe and her husband John Igoe; his 3 grandchildren: Braeger Moore, Megan Igoe and Jack Igoe. Michael is also survived by his brothers Harry Bell and his wife Virginia of Houston,TX and Tim Bell, his wife Margaret and nephew Ryan of Milford, MA.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Anne Bell.

A visitation for Michael will be held Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75228. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75228. A committal service will occur Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Grove Hill Memorial Park, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75228.

In Lieu of Flowers, family has request donations be made to Longhorn Village, 12501 Longhorn Pkwy Austin, Texas 78732, Attn: UFCU Associates Appreciation Fund, Payable to: LHV Associates Appreciation Fund, In Memo: Memory of Michael O. Bell- Casa Mesquite.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Grove-Hill.com for the Bell family.