Robert E. Bell Jr.

The Reverend Robert E. Bell, Jr., Chaplain, entered his Eternal Home on Thanksgiving Day November 24, 2016. Bob was a resident at Whiting HealthCare Center for five months after having lived with Alzheimer’s for several years.

Bob was a Pastor wherever he was: Army, Church, Nursing Home, Kiwanis, VFW and especially as a husband and father.

Bob was born October 18, 1928, in Greene County, PA, to Robert Emerson Bell and Florence Hormell Bell. He and his 3 sisters knew their grandparents who lived with them. Mr. Bell died the day after Thanksgiving in 1976.

Bob’s education was completed and interrupted by his service in the military. After dropping out of high school he earned his GED certificate while serving as an MP at Ft. Jackson, returning to Waynesburg to graduate, enter Waynesburg College and joining the 28th Division, the Pennsylvania National Guard which was activated in 1950. It was in June of 1951 that Bob and Anne were married, having met in the college band where both played trumpet. Bob returned to college in 1952, graduated with a degree in English, and entered Western Seminary, now Pittsburgh. Bob was ordained by Pittsburgh Presbytery in May, 1958. He served 3 churches while serving as a Chaplain with the 28th. He was asked by the Denomination to enter Active duty during the Viet Nam engagement. In February 1967 the Bell Family, now including 5 children became “military dependents”.

Bob served in Korea, Viet Nam, Germany (Berlin) and several state-side assignments. He received two further degrees, from Long Island University and Pepperdine University.

Bob retired in May, 1985, and enjoyed his ministry at the first Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, and in other churches as part of Monmouth Presbytery.

After retiring Bob and Anne moved to Leisure Village West where he enjoyed Kiwanis, VFW, the RV club, and other ministries until Alzheimer's took over, they moved to Crestwood Manor in Whiting where Anne will continue to live.

Bob is predeceased by his parents and sister Evelyn Black. His sisters are: Ginny Cross, Bloomington, IN. and Ruth Keener, Washington, PA. Bob’ and Anne’ children are: Robert Emerson, III, Clarksville, TN; Edith H., Ayer, MA; Ruth Anne, Whiting, NJ; Margaret (Dennis), Hampton, Sutter, CA; and John (Peter), Dallas, TX., 7 grandchildren: Melissa Wolf (Paul), Erin Jackson (Kyle), Dennis , Megan, Travis Bell, Lauren Williams (Josh) and Robert Bell IV and 4 great grandchildren: Owen, Wyatt, Josephine and Caroline.

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 1, 2016, 3-7 pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759. A Memorial Service will be held this Friday, December 2nd, 2016 at 1:30 pm in the Lakehurst Presbyterian Church, 101 Orchard Street, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. In lieu of flowers, donation in Bob’s memory to the Lakehurst Presbyterian Church would be appreciated. Please visit www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com for complete obituary and to post a tribute.