Elvin Charles Bell

March 1, 1937 – March 7, 2022

Elvin Charles Bell, a former Fresno City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem, passed away March 7, 2022. Elvin was the second of seven children born into the migrant farm labor family of Albert Loid Bell from Judsonia, Arkansas, and Lucille Spears Bell from Holly Springs, Mississippi. They were not related, and Mrs. Bell never had to change her last name.

Elvin was born in Merced, California on March 1, 1937.

His family followed the crops as laborers in seven different states during which time Elvin attended 18 different public schools including Central Union High School in Fresno from which he graduated in 1955.

While at Central, Elvin was editor of the Grizzly Gazette – the school newspaper, won three consecutive American Legion speech contests, was President of the Student Council, President of the YMCA Chapter, had the lead role in three consecutive student body plays, set school records in track events, was on the varsity basketball team, and held two part-time jobs to help support his divorced mother and younger siblings, Morley, Jimmie, Geneva, Lois, and Louis. During Elvin’s junior year at Central he enlisted into the Service Company, 185th Infantry Battalion, 49th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, as a Private E-1. Within a short period, he became a Squad Leader, followed by a promotion to Platoon Sergeant. He later transferred to the California Air National Guard where he retired as a Colonel.

Elvin continued his education by graduating from the following universities:

1. California State University, Fresno BA, Journalism, MPA, Public Administration

2. LaSalle Law School, Chicago, IL., LL.B, Law

3. Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

4. California Coast University, Santa Ana, CA PhD. Business

While at Fresno State Elvin pledged Sigma Chi fraternity and remained an active member. As an adult Elvin was a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was also an author of several books.

Elvin passed away March 7, 2022, at age 85.

By: Louis Bell, brother