Christopher Thomas Bell

Chris was born in Kansas City, Missouri on June 1, 1948 to Elmer W. Bell and Christine M. Bell. Raised on the Westside in Kansas City, Chris graduated from Westport High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Navy in April of 1967.

Chris served his country for 23 years on board five different ships. During the Vietnam War, he served aboard the USS New Jersey BB62 and was the recipient of many medals and commendations. Chris's Navy career also included working for the Navy Broadcasting Service as a broadcast engineer. Chris was the first broadcast engineer to be promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E7), Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), and Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). While stationed at Sacramento Army Depot, he designed and built radio and TV stations for the Navy worldwide. He received multiple awards, including the highest award given by AFRTS Colonel Tom Lewis in 1984.

Chris met his wife Linda Runkel in Chula Vista, CA in 1970 and they were married on March 10, 1971. While Chris was in the Navy, they resided in San Diego, Sacramento, and Quartz Hill, California, as well as Midway Island and Adak, Alaska prior to his eventual retirement in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Chris was well-liked by many people and was always willing to help others. He loved to travel and visit friends. He was the number one fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and held season tickets for 60 years. Chris was very active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a VFW Missouri Department Commander from 2014 to 2015, as well as a legacy life member of Post 5789. He was a Life Member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Life Member of Disabled American Veterans, and a member of the Elks in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Chris also loved to spend time with his family. In addition to his wife of 56 years, Linda, he is survived by daughters Cassandra, Nicholl, and Angela, cherished grandchildren Madason and Landon, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by parents Elmer W. Bell and Christine M. Bell, sister Dorothy Crane, and brother Jack Bell.

Chris will be interred at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Raytown, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VFW Post 5789 building fund.