Paul Earl Bell

Paul Earl Bell, 89, of Kansas City, passed away March 16, 2012. He was born November 20, 1922, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Hazel and Earl Bell. He graduated from Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. During World War II, he served 3-1/2 years in the Army Air Corps in the Philippines and New Guinea. In 1946, he met and married Dorothy Robertson. Two children were born to this union of 65 years. While employed and with a young family, he attended night school earning a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering. In 1986, after 42 years of service, he retired from SW Bell as Outside Plant Engineer. He was an AT&T Pioneer Life Member. Paul was an ardent student of the Bible and a Southern Baptist by membership. Later he worshipped at First Church of the Nazarene. He was a life member of the Masonic Grand Lodge Temple Gate #299. Paul had a strong work ethic and was a gifted mechanic and craftsman, excelling in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry and related areas. He built his own two houses and helped his children build their homes. He raised and delivered huge, delicious tomatoes to coworkers, doctors’ offices and neighbors. He sought ways to use his talents to help others. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Stan Kulikowski, niece Kalyn Kulikowski Watkins, and nephew Kory Kulikowski. He is survived by wife Dorothy, son Gary of Leawood, daughter Janet of Kansas City, formerly of Catonsville, Maryland, granddaughter Stephanie of Lawrence, sister Virginia Kulikowski and nephew Stan Kulikowski II of Pensacola, Florida, and two great-nieces. May God’s blessings flow abundantly to the multitude that cared for and attended to him these past years. Paul is in the presence of the King! Paul loved the camaraderie of his telephone company family. He enjoyed fall in the Ozarks and trips to the ocean and Caribbean. He lived life with vim and vigor, humor and fun. He will be missed so much. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at Mt. Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home in Kansas City, MO.