Dear Everyone, who so was generous with their time and had kind words to say about my Rainey.  Yes, he was always a Gentleman, Kind, and loved J-3 Cubs.  By the way, I had his first Cub restored and now fly it with my instructor friends.  The 1940 J-3 Cub was originally flown by Army, then Wings of Mercy (where the BJC Memorial (Belleville)is now located, then owned by Rainey.  I own and now  fly the same airplane, 
I soloed in 1968 (51 years ago).  Rainey and I would have been married 50 years in May 1969.  THOSE
WERE, TRULY, THE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!WE MAY NOT HEAR HIS VOICE. SEE HIS SMILE, BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS.

CaroL (Your Cub Flying Wife)


Rainey was a life long friend of my dad Jerry Stark I have so many memories growing up at the Dutchman airport it was our 2nd home, I learned to drive a stick shift on the runway rode my horse to the airport & always loved flying with him & Carol specially remember the Kentucky trip..My dad's love of flying is owed to Rainey.
You will be missed . Laura Marshall

Carol--this is Fran CaldwelI--tried to call you and offer my condoleances...Could not find your phone number.I know how you feel since I lost Al 13 years ago.  I wish I could help but all I can say, is I know how you feel.  My number is 618-772-8391.  Hugs, Fran
PS.  We ran into each other at the Bread Company a few weeks ago...

I knew Rainy for only a few years, but it was an honor to be his friend.  Jack Abercrombie

Rainey Bell was synonymous with aviation in St. Louis when I moved here 28 years ago.  It didn't seem like there was ever a time that aviation existed in the St. Louis area without Rainey and there didn't seem like there ever would be.  His absence will be a hole in all of our hearts for a long time.  Diane Earhart (Dianeinthetower)

I only met Rainy once when I picked up a Decathlon for it's owner at the Flying Dutchman Airport.   Rainy informed me of the idiosyncracies of the runway, etc.
He was so gracious, and we talked about aviation as he had known me for years.
He will be sorely missed

Words are so insufficient.  Rainy was introduced as a boss in March of '81.  He immediately became a mentor and guiding force.  Always gentle-spoken, always a gentleman, the consumate aviation professional.  Rainy had an eclectic range of knowledge combined with the willingness and true desire to share it with anyone.  Thoughts of Rainy will always evoke good memories.  Carol, you have my deepest sympathy, and are in my prayers.

Rainy was a great and cherished friend to Joe. They spent many hours together discussing their shared passion of aviation. But more than that, Rainy was one of the "Greatest Generation" and his passing is a loss to all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Carol and the entire Bell family.

Jim and I were talking about Rainy today and what a  remarkable man he was.  He certainly left his mark on the world. We were lucky to have known him as a friend. He will be remembered by many including the two of us. We are grateful for our recent visit with you and Rainy. You have our most sincere sympathy.

It has been a privilege to work with Rainy for over 20-years.  He was always a great supporter of aviation safety and actively promoted and sponsored safey seminars for all pilots to attend.  It was great to have the opportunity to present him with the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.  He was a true piece of aviation history and will be missed by all who knew him.

Carol, I was fortunate to have met Rainy through my father-in-law Len Nevenner.  They were both known and respected in the local aviation community. I will miss seeing him at the annual St. Louis Aviation Maintenance Seminar.  My thoughts and prayers are for you and Rainy.

Rainy, took me for my first plane ride when I was 13 and have loved flying ever since. He was such a good heqrted person, I wish I wouldn't of lost contact with him. I have so many good memories of Rainy and the Flying Dutchman.

Carol,
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you on your loss of Rainy. I'm sure you will miss him greatly. I think of you often and the wonderful people you  and Rainy were sharing your lives with others. Always generous and kind. I will keep you and the family in my prayers. 
Pam Lecerf (Highland, IL)

Rainy was a true pioneer in Greater STL aviation. When many of us "old timers' were "kids" together at Lakeside Airport in the late 40s and early 50s, it seems Rainy was always there.  It was a great time to be flying Cubs, Stearmans, etc. and Rainy was a real fun member of the gang, always the quiet gentleman and buddy, and he continued to be all these years.  He leaves us with rich memories.  God bless his trip "West", and love to Carol.   Shirley (Butch Greer) Pauley  (rmbrmeg@aol.com

Rainy was my good friend fo over 50 years, and I am proud to have been the Best Man at his and Carols wedding. Rainy was a tallented and respected mechanic, teacher and a true advocate for general aviation. It seems like everyone in aviation knew Rainy. He will be missed.   Curt Lindauer

Sorry For Your Loss.  Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card.  Our local Chapter of NARFE  can provide the following help if needed.
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for you.  They can also assist you in filling out claim forms for survivor benefits and life insurance. The NARFE Service Center is located in building 50, Scott AFB.  You may visit the Service Center on Tuesdays, 10AM to 2PM or call 618-256-9350. You may leave a voice mail message at other times and we will return your call the following Tuesday.  You may also call the Service Officer, Gene Wiggins, for immediate assistance if required at 618-566-7980.

It would take a very large book to chronicle Rainy's life and the effects on those whose lives he touched.  He will be truly missed by all who ever knew him.  My prayers go to Carol; another remarkable person.

Rainey was one of the nicest and kindest people I've known.  His passion for aviation was readily obvious talking with him.  I feel very fortunate that I got a chance to meet him and share some of this man's great virtues.  When you meet people as good as Rainey, you hope it rubs off!  Rainey will not be forgotten.  He has touched many an aviator and left his mark.

I met Rainy in the 1950's when I was growing up at Lakeside Airport.  He used to fly his J-3 Cub in to our airport, and I was a lineboy and fueled his airplane, hand propped it for him many times.  He was a true gentleman, and a passionate aviator.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Chuck Midyett

A truly fine gentleman who has been very generous to our Museum.  I wish had met him years earlier - he had much to share about aviation and was most enjoyable to spend time with.

He will be keenly missed - Mark Nankivil

Rainy was the best!  I rented a hangar from him at the Flying Dutchman when I first moved to the area in 2003 and could not find anywhere else to hangar.  He made room and gave my airplane shelter when there was none to be found.  Our aviation community has lost a great one.  Keep 'em Flying!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Rainy A Bell

19 février 1922 – 11 décembre 2010

Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home & Valhalla Gardens

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