Herbert E. Bell

Herbert E. Bell, DFC, a member of the Greatest Generation, returned to his heavenly home on October 2, 2014. Gene was a gentle man who served as a fearless pilot in WWII. Gene joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was involved in European-African-Middle Eastern campaigns and the invasion of Southern France. For his efforts, Gene was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two oak leaves, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, the Commemorative Combat Service Medal, and the United States Army Commemorative Medal. First Lieutenant HE Bell was honorably discharged in 1945.

Gene was 99 years old and celebrated his birthday with his 104 year old brother, James Sheldon Bell (Mickey), on 9/1/14. He was born in Sherrodsville, OH, the third son of JR Bell and Georgia Carpenter Bell, on Sept. 1, 1915. The Bell family moved to Fort Stockton, TX when Gene was 10 years old. He graduated from Fort Stockton High School in 1933.

In May, 1933, Gene married his childhood sweetheart, Virginia Brannon, in Roswell, NM. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in 1996. Gene was employed in sales for most of his life.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; brother, Donald R. Bell; sister, Betty June Middlebrook; and grandson, James L. Wilson. He is survived by daughter, Patricia J. Wilson of Austin, TX; son, James D. Bell (Judy Overby Bell) of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Forrestt E. Wilson of Austin, TX, Denise Hyland (Christopher) of Charlottesville, VA, Elizabeth Gagne of Charlottesville, VA, Jamie Lynn Dean (Bobby) of Wexford, PA, Lt. Col. Lee Overby (Melissa) of Carlisle, PA, and Jeff Overby (Renee) of Magnolia, TX. He is also survived by brothers, JS Bell of San Antonio, TX, and Robert B. Bell (Marsha) of Rio Rancho, NM. Gene had 14 great grandchildren; Kelsey, Megan, Holland, Michael, Jarret, Corey, Eamon, Connor, Abigail, Christopher, Austin, Taylor, Mason and Rebecca; and great great granddaughter, Eva. Gene also leaves behind four nephews, five nieces, and devoted friends, Cele Hermes and Wendy Eason.

When asked to describe himself, Gene's answer was, "A man of brain and brawn". He was a renaissance man, a scholar with deep spiritual convictions, and a mentor of holistic health.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, memorials may be sent to the Wounded Warriors foundation, or the charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 7:00pm in the evening on Tuesday, the 7th of October, in the Austin Center of Spiritual Living located at 5555 N. Lamar (at Koenig Ln.), Ste. D115, Austin, TX. Interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX at a later date.