Frank Bell, 75, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away at home on Saturday, December 16, 2017. Frank was born in Bakersfield, California on October 29, 1942 to Orville Milton Bell and Helen Josephine (Suddoth) Bell.

Frank enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1961 and served as a military policeman in the Pacific, achieving the rank of Corporal before his discharge from active duty in 1966. He had his stories to tell from that time, sometimes involving a big drunk sailor that preferred not to go to the brig, but was nonetheless creatively compelled to do so.

After his military service, Frank took a job cutting weeds at an electrical substation, where his strong work ethic opened a series of doors that ultimately led to his retirement from the Bonneville Power Administration as a senior substation operator after 32 years of government service.

He married Kathryn Dee Austin on December 2, 1967, and, over the next 50 years, together, they raised three children: Jeffrey Bell, Phillip Bell, and Paula (Bell) Sellers. As a family, they lived in The Dalles, Spokane, and Eugene, and loved spending time in the lakes and mountains of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. To this day, they can be found living the lessons he taught them, whether repairing old cars, adventuring outdoors, or simply loving their families. In later life, Frank battled Parkinson’s Disease over 32 years, bringing to bear his analytical mind, work ethic, and Marine Corps toughness. Throughout his life, he embodied the biblical mandate to, as far as possible, live at peace with everyone. Except cats. He didn’t care for cats, who of course found him fascinating.

Frank is survived by his wife, three children, nine grandchildren, and three siblings (Margaret Kevorkian, Orville “Skip” Bell, and Judith Tonnelli).

Frank was a private man, so there will be no formal reception or burial. The family will organize an informal garden party in the spring to plant new life and create a special space for remembering him.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.