Elmer Edward Bell

Elmer Edward Bell November 20, 1920 - June 30, 2011 Elmer Bell was born in Keenesburg, Colorado on November 20th 1920. He fell asleep in death on June 30th 2011 at his home in Bakersfield, California after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. For those who knew him well, they would tell you, "You would be hard pressed to meet a more generous man!" he was affectionately known as "The Candy Man," or "Grandpa Candy," by all of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and by many of his extended children throughout several congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. Some in the community may remember him as a "Handyman" from Green Frog Market or a "Truck Driver" for Atlantic Richfield-ARCO. As his last days approached he also acquired the name "Pops" from his irreplaceable caretaker, Ramon, who helped him keep his smile every day! Elmer's life course brought him to Bakersfield in 1946 from Keenesburg, Colorado. He married his first wife Lulamay Lyon on December 25th 1941. This union brought him two cherished children, his son Fred Bell and daughter Vicki Braslow. Following the death of his first wife he married Barbara Schaeffer on June 18th 1976 at which time the family grew when he became a loving stepfather to Barbara's two children Nancy and Linda Schaeffer. Not long after the death of his second wife, he met and married the final love of his life, Clarice Jensen and they were ultimately married on October 18th 1990. With this last union the addition of Clarice Bell's children made Elmer's family grow even more! Clarice and Elmer were married for 20 happy years, and Clarice stayed faithfully by his side up to his last moments! Elmer was preceded in death by his brother George Bell, and his first two wives Lulamay, and Barbara Bell. He is survived by his Brother, Glenn Bell and his children, Fred and spouse Shirley Bell, Vicki and spouse Geoffrey Braslow, stepchildren Nancy, and Linda Schaffer, Linda Stowers, Barbara and spouse Bobby Smith, Robin and spouse Martin Waller, John and spouse Gilda Jensen, and Charles and spouse Fran Jensen! Space would run out if we were to name the 25 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren that Elmer cherished and loved! Elmer made the most important decision of his life when he dedicated his life to The Creator Jehovah God on March 21st 1992. He remained faithful to this decision until his death. Like so many of his dear friends, Elmer eagerly looked forward to the near future when Jesus words are fulfilled "All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out!" (John 5:28, 29) Memorial Services will be held on Saturday July 9, 2011 at 1:00pm at Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall 2701 Columbus Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306. Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary www.hillcrestmemorial.com