Larry E. Bell

Larry E. Bell, 75, passed away February 6, 2017, at the Graham County Hospital, in Hill City, Kansas. He was the third child born to the union of Leta Irene Chalfant and Mark Earl Bell. He was born at their home in Hill City. He attended both Grade and High School in Hill City, graduating in the Class of 1960. Joining the United States Army, April 27, 1961, he took his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, upon completion he was assigned to Munich, Germany until being reassigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina in October 1963. He was honorably discharged from the Army April 24, 1964. During this time of service he received recognition as a sharpshooter in pistol, rifle, machine gun and carbine. He also proved proficiency as a truck driver. His working years included employment as a power plant operator for Central Kansas Power in Hill City, as well as owning Larry’s Tavern in Penokee for several years. He also worked as a Commercial Truck Driver, heavy equipment operator in Coal mining and was a meat processor as well. He worked in sales as a sideline for Larry’s Camper Shells and was a sales representative for a cleaning supply company and a snack food company. Larry and Janifer Sue Burton were united in marriage at the Prairie Home Methodist Church, rural Hill City, July 9, 1961. Three children were born to this union, Darrin, Troy, and Dawn. His many interests include motorcycling, fishing, hunting, camping, target shooting, gardening, cars, and playing poker with family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Elwyn and Duanne, and his father and mother in law, Farrel and Florence Burton, as well as two nephews, Terry Paxson and Eric Bell. Survivors include his wife Jan of the home, daughter Dawn Bell of Penokee, sons Darrin (Becky) Bell and Troy Bell both of Colby, Kansas. The delight of his life grandchildren; Jordan Thayer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ryan, Dalton, and Shaylee Bell, Colby, Kansas. Also Surviving are his brother, Orman and Jean Bell, Hill City, Kansas and sister Joyce and Doyle Lyon, Maize, Kansas, sisters in law Bobbie Bell, Hill City and Karen Bell, Dresden, Kansas, sister and brother in law, Don and Rea Paxson. Many nieces and nephews remain to morn his passing, as well as more distant family members and many many, friends.