A gentle giant, known as a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle to his family, as "The Wizard of Homedale (Finances)", patriotic soldier, educator, avid football fan and successful coach, Bishop and friend to others, completed his earthly journey in the early morning hours on Friday, March 30, 2007, at the local care center in Homedale. He was surrounded by many of those he loves.
Viewings will be held at the Homedale LDS Church on West Idaho Avenue, on Wednesday, April 4, from 5-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral services and a celebration of Deward's life will be Thursday, April 5 at 1:00 p.m., also at the LDS Chapel. Interment will be held at the Marsing-Homedale Cemetery.
Deward X. Bell was born on October 5, 1923, at Albion, Idaho, to Jennie and Albert Bell. He was the sixth of eight children, including 4 brothers and three sisters.
Deward was educated in Albion, graduating from Albion High in 1942, where he lettered 4 years in football and served as senior captain. Thereafter he attended 1 semester of college at Southern Idaho College of Education also known as Albion Normal Teacher Training School before receiving an invitation from Uncle Sam to serve his country in the United States Army.
Our country was at war. In addition to his stateside duty, Deward served 26 months overseas, 11 of which were on the front lines. He was with the 206th Engineer Combat Battalion, serving with the First and Third Armies. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.
Deward was Honorably Discharged and returned home in 1946 to continue his education at Southern Idaho College to complete his undergraduate degree, lettering 4 years in football and serving as captain his senior year. He was selected as All-Conference Quarterback.
Deward married his eternal companion and sweetheart, Leah Mae Owens, in Burley, Idaho, on June 6, 1947. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 1, 1960.
Upon his graduation from college he began his lifelong dedication to the education of youth, teaching and coaching at Paul High School in Paul, Idaho, from 1950 to 1955, where he taught social studies and P.E. and served as head coach for football, basketball, baseball and track. Daughters Sheryl, JoAnn and Patti joined the family during this time.
In 1955 he came to Homedale to teach Social Studies and P.E. at the local high school. He was also head coach for football, basketball, track and baseball. After three years he left the classroom to assume the duties of principal, continuing his job as head coach of four sports. During this time daughter number four, Pam, was born.
Deward earned his Master's Degree from the College of Idaho in 1961. He took over as the superintendent of schools for the Homedale School District in 1962 where he served the community until his retirement in 1986.
Deward lived a life full of many adventures and has been recognized for his many accomplishments. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, ATV rider, lifelong athletic referee, and official captain of the Bell Party Barge on which he spent many hours cruising Cascade Lake with friends and family. With the hard work of Leah, his entire family and numerous friends, he built the vacation mecca of Crown Point, complete with horseshoe pits, mini lodge, totem poles and an 18-hole miniature golf course. This year-round destination resort provided an unlimited number of hours of fun and relaxation to Deward's family and friends.
Deward was a born and bred rancher, maintaining his small acreage and livestock herd while fulfilling his professional duties. Not many seasons passed at the family home when there wasn't a garden growing, stubborn cows needing training, calves to be branded, horses to be ridden, hay hauled, or irrigating done. During his growing up years, he worked diligently on the family ranch, doing his daily chores and spending summers herding sheep in the south hills.
Awards Deward has received include: Masonic Lodge Certificate of Service to the Public Schools, Outstanding Service & Leadership to Western Idaho Conference, Service to the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency, President's Award from Idaho Coaches Association, Lifetime Sports Pass from the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), Lifetime Membership to the Third District Coaches Association, IHSAA Hall of Fame, Service to the Third District Commissioner's Advisory Board, and State of Idaho Service Award Certificate of Recognition.
Deward was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in numerous callings, including Bishop and temple worker. He was also a member of the Homedale Kiwanis Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Leone Bell, sisters and brothers-in-law Chloe and Charles Warr, Melba Egbert and Kay Darrington, and a granddaughter Jeness Morris.
Survivors include his beloved wife Leah, brothers Leslie, Leo (Merla), and Dale (Lila), sister Althora "Sophie" Darrington, brother-in-law Oscar Egbert, sister-in-law Lena Jenkins, daughters Sheryl Bell, JoAnn (Tom) Morris, Patti (Stan) Zatica, and Pam (Joe) Favinger, all of Homedale: numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at the Owyhee Health & Rehab Center in Homedale for their compassionate care to Deward during his stay, and to Deward's nephew Michael and Sara Bell of Bell Funeral Home in Boise for providing such comforting and meaningful funeral arrangements.
Viewings will be held at the Homedale LDS Church on West Idaho Avenue, on Wednesday, April 4, from 5-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral services and a celebration of Deward's life will be Thursday, April 5 at 1:00 p.m., also at the LDS Chapel. Interment will be held at the Marsing-Homedale Cemetery.
Deward X. Bell was born on October 5, 1923, at Albion, Idaho, to Jennie and Albert Bell. He was the sixth of eight children, including 4 brothers and three sisters.
Deward was educated in Albion, graduating from Albion High in 1942, where he lettered 4 years in football and served as senior captain. Thereafter he attended 1 semester of college at Southern Idaho College of Education also known as Albion Normal Teacher Training School before receiving an invitation from Uncle Sam to serve his country in the United States Army.
Our country was at war. In addition to his stateside duty, Deward served 26 months overseas, 11 of which were on the front lines. He was with the 206th Engineer Combat Battalion, serving with the First and Third Armies. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.
Deward was Honorably Discharged and returned home in 1946 to continue his education at Southern Idaho College to complete his undergraduate degree, lettering 4 years in football and serving as captain his senior year. He was selected as All-Conference Quarterback.
Deward married his eternal companion and sweetheart, Leah Mae Owens, in Burley, Idaho, on June 6, 1947. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 1, 1960.
Upon his graduation from college he began his lifelong dedication to the education of youth, teaching and coaching at Paul High School in Paul, Idaho, from 1950 to 1955, where he taught social studies and P.E. and served as head coach for football, basketball, baseball and track. Daughters Sheryl, JoAnn and Patti joined the family during this time.
In 1955 he came to Homedale to teach Social Studies and P.E. at the local high school. He was also head coach for football, basketball, track and baseball. After three years he left the classroom to assume the duties of principal, continuing his job as head coach of four sports. During this time daughter number four, Pam, was born.
Deward earned his Master's Degree from the College of Idaho in 1961. He took over as the superintendent of schools for the Homedale School District in 1962 where he served the community until his retirement in 1986.
Deward lived a life full of many adventures and has been recognized for his many accomplishments. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, ATV rider, lifelong athletic referee, and official captain of the Bell Party Barge on which he spent many hours cruising Cascade Lake with friends and family. With the hard work of Leah, his entire family and numerous friends, he built the vacation mecca of Crown Point, complete with horseshoe pits, mini lodge, totem poles and an 18-hole miniature golf course. This year-round destination resort provided an unlimited number of hours of fun and relaxation to Deward's family and friends.
Deward was a born and bred rancher, maintaining his small acreage and livestock herd while fulfilling his professional duties. Not many seasons passed at the family home when there wasn't a garden growing, stubborn cows needing training, calves to be branded, horses to be ridden, hay hauled, or irrigating done. During his growing up years, he worked diligently on the family ranch, doing his daily chores and spending summers herding sheep in the south hills.
Awards Deward has received include: Masonic Lodge Certificate of Service to the Public Schools, Outstanding Service & Leadership to Western Idaho Conference, Service to the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency, President's Award from Idaho Coaches Association, Lifetime Sports Pass from the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), Lifetime Membership to the Third District Coaches Association, IHSAA Hall of Fame, Service to the Third District Commissioner's Advisory Board, and State of Idaho Service Award Certificate of Recognition.
Deward was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in numerous callings, including Bishop and temple worker. He was also a member of the Homedale Kiwanis Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Leone Bell, sisters and brothers-in-law Chloe and Charles Warr, Melba Egbert and Kay Darrington, and a granddaughter Jeness Morris.
Survivors include his beloved wife Leah, brothers Leslie, Leo (Merla), and Dale (Lila), sister Althora "Sophie" Darrington, brother-in-law Oscar Egbert, sister-in-law Lena Jenkins, daughters Sheryl Bell, JoAnn (Tom) Morris, Patti (Stan) Zatica, and Pam (Joe) Favinger, all of Homedale: numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at the Owyhee Health & Rehab Center in Homedale for their compassionate care to Deward during his stay, and to Deward's nephew Michael and Sara Bell of Bell Funeral Home in Boise for providing such comforting and meaningful funeral arrangements.
A gentle giant, known as a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle to his family, as "The Wizard of Homedale (Finances)", patriotic soldier, educator, avid football fan and successful coach, Bishop and friend to others, completed his earthly journey in the early morning hours on Friday, March 30, 2007, at the local care center in Homedale. He was surrounded by many of those he loves.
Viewings will be held at the Homedale LDS Church on West Idaho Avenue, on Wednesday, April 4, from 5-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral services and a celebration of Deward's life will be Thursday, April 5 at 1:00 p.m., also at the LDS Chapel. Interment will be held at the Marsing-Homedale Cemetery.
Deward X. Bell was born on October 5, 1923, at Albion, Idaho, to Jennie and Albert Bell. He was the sixth of eight children, including 4 brothers and three sisters.
Deward was educated in Albion, graduating from Albion High in 1942, where he lettered 4 years in football and served as senior captain. Thereafter he attended 1 semester of college at Southern Idaho College of Education also known as Albion Normal Teacher Training School before receiving an invitation from Uncle Sam to serve his country in the United States Army.
Our country was at war. In addition to his stateside duty, Deward served 26 months overseas, 11 of which were on the front lines. He was with the 206th Engineer Combat Battalion, serving with the First and Third Armies. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.
Deward was Honorably Discharged and returned home in 1946 to continue his education at Southern Idaho College to complete his undergraduate degree, lettering 4 years in football and serving as captain his senior year. He was selected as All-Conference Quarterback.
Deward married his eternal companion and sweetheart, Leah Mae Owens, in Burley, Idaho, on June 6, 1947. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 1, 1960.
Upon his graduation from college he began his lifelong dedication to the education of youth, teaching and coaching at Paul High School in Paul, Idaho, from 1950 to 1955, where he taught social studies and P.E. and served as head coach for football, basketball, baseball and track. Daughters Sheryl, JoAnn and Patti joined the family during this time.
In 1955 he came to Homedale to teach Social Studies and P.E. at the local high school. He was also head coach for football, basketball, track and baseball. After three years he left the classroom to assume the duties of principal, continuing his job as head coach of four sports. During this time daughter number four, Pam, was born.
Deward earned his Master's Degree from the College of Idaho in 1961. He took over as the superintendent of schools for the Homedale School District in 1962 where he served the community until his retirement in 1986.
Deward lived a life full of many adventures and has been recognized for his many accomplishments. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, ATV rider, lifelong athletic referee, and official captain of the Bell Party Barge on which he spent many hours cruising Cascade Lake with friends and family. With the hard work of Leah, his entire family and numerous friends, he built the vacation mecca of Crown Point, complete with horseshoe pits, mini lodge, totem poles and an 18-hole miniature golf course. This year-round destination resort provided an unlimited number of hours of fun and relaxation to Deward's family and friends.
Deward was a born and bred rancher, maintaining his small acreage and livestock herd while fulfilling his professional duties. Not many seasons passed at the family home when there wasn't a garden growing, stubborn cows needing training, calves to be branded, horses to be ridden, hay hauled, or irrigating done. During his growing up years, he worked diligently on the family ranch, doing his daily chores and spending summers herding sheep in the south hills.
Awards Deward has received include: Masonic Lodge Certificate of Service to the Public Schools, Outstanding Service & Leadership to Western Idaho Conference, Service to the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency, President's Award from Idaho Coaches Association, Lifetime Sports Pass from the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), Lifetime Membership to the Third District Coaches Association, IHSAA Hall of Fame, Service to the Third District Commissioner's Advisory Board, and State of Idaho Service Award Certificate of Recognition.
Deward was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in numerous callings, including Bishop and temple worker. He was also a member of the Homedale Kiwanis Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Leone Bell, sisters and brothers-in-law Chloe and Charles Warr, Melba Egbert and Kay Darrington, and a granddaughter Jeness Morris.
Survivors include his beloved wife Leah, brothers Leslie, Leo (Merla), and Dale (Lila), sister Althora "Sophie" Darrington, brother-in-law Oscar Egbert, sister-in-law Lena Jenkins, daughters Sheryl Bell, JoAnn (Tom) Morris, Patti (Stan) Zatica, and Pam (Joe) Favinger, all of Homedale: numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at the Owyhee Health & Rehab Center in Homedale for their compassionate care to Deward during his stay, and to Deward's nephew Michael and Sara Bell of Bell Funeral Home in Boise for providing such comforting and meaningful funeral arrangements.
Viewings will be held at the Homedale LDS Church on West Idaho Avenue, on Wednesday, April 4, from 5-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral services and a celebration of Deward's life will be Thursday, April 5 at 1:00 p.m., also at the LDS Chapel. Interment will be held at the Marsing-Homedale Cemetery.
Deward X. Bell was born on October 5, 1923, at Albion, Idaho, to Jennie and Albert Bell. He was the sixth of eight children, including 4 brothers and three sisters.
Deward was educated in Albion, graduating from Albion High in 1942, where he lettered 4 years in football and served as senior captain. Thereafter he attended 1 semester of college at Southern Idaho College of Education also known as Albion Normal Teacher Training School before receiving an invitation from Uncle Sam to serve his country in the United States Army.
Our country was at war. In addition to his stateside duty, Deward served 26 months overseas, 11 of which were on the front lines. He was with the 206th Engineer Combat Battalion, serving with the First and Third Armies. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.
Deward was Honorably Discharged and returned home in 1946 to continue his education at Southern Idaho College to complete his undergraduate degree, lettering 4 years in football and serving as captain his senior year. He was selected as All-Conference Quarterback.
Deward married his eternal companion and sweetheart, Leah Mae Owens, in Burley, Idaho, on June 6, 1947. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 1, 1960.
Upon his graduation from college he began his lifelong dedication to the education of youth, teaching and coaching at Paul High School in Paul, Idaho, from 1950 to 1955, where he taught social studies and P.E. and served as head coach for football, basketball, baseball and track. Daughters Sheryl, JoAnn and Patti joined the family during this time.
In 1955 he came to Homedale to teach Social Studies and P.E. at the local high school. He was also head coach for football, basketball, track and baseball. After three years he left the classroom to assume the duties of principal, continuing his job as head coach of four sports. During this time daughter number four, Pam, was born.
Deward earned his Master's Degree from the College of Idaho in 1961. He took over as the superintendent of schools for the Homedale School District in 1962 where he served the community until his retirement in 1986.
Deward lived a life full of many adventures and has been recognized for his many accomplishments. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, ATV rider, lifelong athletic referee, and official captain of the Bell Party Barge on which he spent many hours cruising Cascade Lake with friends and family. With the hard work of Leah, his entire family and numerous friends, he built the vacation mecca of Crown Point, complete with horseshoe pits, mini lodge, totem poles and an 18-hole miniature golf course. This year-round destination resort provided an unlimited number of hours of fun and relaxation to Deward's family and friends.
Deward was a born and bred rancher, maintaining his small acreage and livestock herd while fulfilling his professional duties. Not many seasons passed at the family home when there wasn't a garden growing, stubborn cows needing training, calves to be branded, horses to be ridden, hay hauled, or irrigating done. During his growing up years, he worked diligently on the family ranch, doing his daily chores and spending summers herding sheep in the south hills.
Awards Deward has received include: Masonic Lodge Certificate of Service to the Public Schools, Outstanding Service & Leadership to Western Idaho Conference, Service to the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency, President's Award from Idaho Coaches Association, Lifetime Sports Pass from the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), Lifetime Membership to the Third District Coaches Association, IHSAA Hall of Fame, Service to the Third District Commissioner's Advisory Board, and State of Idaho Service Award Certificate of Recognition.
Deward was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in numerous callings, including Bishop and temple worker. He was also a member of the Homedale Kiwanis Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Leone Bell, sisters and brothers-in-law Chloe and Charles Warr, Melba Egbert and Kay Darrington, and a granddaughter Jeness Morris.
Survivors include his beloved wife Leah, brothers Leslie, Leo (Merla), and Dale (Lila), sister Althora "Sophie" Darrington, brother-in-law Oscar Egbert, sister-in-law Lena Jenkins, daughters Sheryl Bell, JoAnn (Tom) Morris, Patti (Stan) Zatica, and Pam (Joe) Favinger, all of Homedale: numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at the Owyhee Health & Rehab Center in Homedale for their compassionate care to Deward during his stay, and to Deward's nephew Michael and Sara Bell of Bell Funeral Home in Boise for providing such comforting and meaningful funeral arrangements.
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