Richard Marvin Bell

“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it”

– by Clarence Bedington Kelland.

Richard passed away on July 31, 2026, after a long and fulfilling life at 89 years of age in his home.

Born July 24, 1937, to Anthony and Lucille Bell in Kansas City, Missouri graduating from Lillis High School in Kansas City. He was involved in Boy Scouts, reaching the level of Eagle Scout, before joining the Air Force.

Richard served in the Air Force from 1957 to 1969, stationed at Forbes Field Airbase in Topeka, Kansas then the Air Force Reserves stationed at Richards-Gebaur Airbase in Belton, Missouri as a mechanic, skills he used his entire life.

A devoted family man, Richard married Beverly Wilson on July 19, 1958, in Topeka, Kansas celebrating 68 years of marriage before Beverly’s passing. He raised a loving and close-knit family creating a beautiful legacy. His children, all surviving, include 6 sons – David (Sandy), Stan (Sharon), Jeff, Greg (Deborah), Phil (Diana), Andy and one daughter Becky Smith. Eight (8) grandchildren, two (2) great grandchildren with two (2) on the way expected before the end of the year. He spoke often of his children showing his pride toward all of them. He had one sister, Marjorie Comeau, of Florissant, Missouri, who survives, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard earned a living working for KCP&L on night shift repairing aerial devices after leaving the service, as an over-road Teams driver with his oldest son, and for Norfork Southern railroad before his retirement.

The Belton Community has lost a wonderful man as Richard was involved for many years in multiple areas, gaining the respect and friendships of the people who knew him. He was a devoted Catholic attending St. Sabina’s Catholic Parish for 63 years, working as a maintenance man for many of those years. A member of Belton Fire Department during the 1970’s. A life member of the Belton Historical Railroad Society (Smokey Hill), Belton, Missouri and helped with the Baldwin Historical Railroad in Baldwin, Kansas where he passed on his knowledge and love of trains to both young and old in both communities.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for August 14, 2026, at St. Sabina’s Catholic Parish, 700 Trevis Drive, Belton, Missouri with a Rosery at 9:30 a.m., visitation at 10:00 a.m., and Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Internment will take place at Belton Cemetery; 710 S. Scott Ave, Belton Mo., being laid to rest next to his loving wife Beverly.

A luncheon will be held for family and friends in the parish hall of St. Sabina’s Parish, 700 Trevis Ave. Belton, Missouri.