Obituary for Richard Bell

Richard “Dick” Bell

(August 28, 1948 – December 5, 2016)

Bell, Richard C. “Dick”, age 68, lifelong Ponca City resident passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 in Ponca City. A memorial ceremony to celebrate his life will be held at 10am Wednesday, December 14, in the Worship Center at First Baptist Church in Ponca City. Honorary casket bearers will be Allen Hardesty, Dr. Mark Palmer, Randy Trant, Paul Skidmore, Sonny Ray Lessert, Gene Gann, Larry Hernandez and C.D. Northcutt. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Dick was born on August 28, 1948 in Ponca City to Cecil A. Bell and Doyle Fiscus Bell. He was raised in the Ponca City area, graduating from high school here in 1966 after forming many lifelong friendships. Following high school, Dick attended Northern Oklahoma College, ultimately earning an Associates of Applied Sciences. Recognizing that the US government would call him if he didn’t call them, Dick joined the U.S. Navy in the late sixties. He served as a medic in Vietnam before finishing his service in 1971. After working in and around the medical field throughout the 1970’s, Dick opened Laboratory Associates in Ponca City in the early 1980’s. Since that time served the community for over 30 years with their medical lab needs. Outdoor activities provided much joy and leisure to Dick throughout the years. As a young man, Dick enjoyed softball, even serving as the President of the Willow Springs Softball Club. Later, he would help coach junior baseball for his sons. At times, Dick would also go fishing in the local lakes for Crappie, or hit the links at the Country Club. In more recent years, Dick could be found at the casino, or with his buddies playing Gin Rummy at the Country Club. Dick has been a long time member of the Ponca City Country Club, Moose Lodge, The American Legion, and the Kay Sooners Booster Club.

Survivors include his beloved children: Jason Bell and partner Jane Browning of Ponca City, Jacob Bell and wife Kali of Ponca City, and Christine Hicks and husband Mark of Skiatook, OK, brother, Charles “Chuck” Bell of Edmond, OK, grandchildren: Riley Hawkins, Sidney McGinty, Caleb Bell, Braydon Bell, McKenzie Bell, Lynleigh Bell and great granddaughter Lucy McGinty as well as many cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial donations may be made to the University of Oklahoma Foundation, PO Box 258856, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-8856

Source: Trout Funeral Home