William Bell

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- William E. Bell, 78, of St. Louis died Friday, April 22, 2005, at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis.

He was born Feb. 1, 1927, in St. Louis, son of Christopher C. and Nellie Stotler Bell. He and Marion Brown of St. Louis were married Feb. 29,1945.

Bell was an avid outdoorsman. He was a member of Asbestos Workers Local 1 more than 40 years, a 4th Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 4099, devoted St. Catherine Laboure parishioner, and longtime election poll volunteer. His greatest accomplishment and joy was his devotion to his family.

He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years; three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Marlene Bell of New Hamburg, Mo., Daniel and Sharon Bell of St. Charles, Mo., Thomas and Kathy Bell of Fenton, Mo.; six grandchildren, Rachel McKenzie, Jessica Bell, Arrianne Bell, Christopher Bell, Lisa Bell and Joshua Bell; and three great-grandchildren, Jemaun Gardner, Jaymyn Bell and Jayde McKenzie.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. today at St. Catherine Laboure, 9740 Sappington Road, St. Louis. Interment will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

The family would appreciate mass offerings or memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Kutis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.