Jack Allen Bell, Sr.

Jack Allen Bell, 85, of Bradford Village, Edmond, Oklahoma passed away on August 14, 2014. He was born in Temple, Texas on April 9, 1929 to the late Oscar and Fern (Boles) Bell. He spent his childhood and school days growing up there with his siblings, Helen, Oscar Jr. and Jo Ann, who have preceded him in death. While working in his father’s store he met his wife of 51 years, the late Helen Ingram of Holland, Texas.

As a young man, Jack worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, and then joined the US Army in 1948 to better provide for his young family. His tour of duty took him to Okinawa for two years where he was in charge of a hospital dispensary. After returning to the US, he was accepted into flight training were he discovered his love of flying and the beginning of a life career. During his 14 years in the military, he moved up the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer and received many awards of achievement. In 1962, he was released from the military, returned with family back to his native home of Texas. He continued his aviation pursuits with Bell Helicopter, American Airlines, Helidyne, and Rotor Dynamics. In 1995, he retired but stayed active as an advisor and consultant.

Jack and his wife, Helen traveled over the next two years visiting many new areas of the Southwest and enjoying their family before she passed away in 1997. He then found a new partner, Helen Rose Whitford, of Edmond, Oklahoma to continue with his travels and enjoy life. They were married from 1997 to 2011. At his new home in Edmond, he remained active with gardening, volunteering as chaplain at the Oklahoma County jail and the Air and Space Department at the Omniplex. He enjoyed reading and learning about religions and the Bible. His greatest pleasures were sharing times with his family, his special friend Helen Rose, her family, the coffee group, and church friends.

Jack is survived by his children: Sheila Askew of Easton, Md., Jack A. Bell Jr. and his wife, Carolyn of Benbrook, Texas, and Anthony M. Bell and his wife, Rebecca of Albuquerque, New Mexico; 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.