Obituary of Clarence Bell

Clarence Bell passed away at home in Vancouver, Washington on Tuesday, November 23rd at the age of 93. Clarence was born January 19th 1928 in Lodge Pole, Nebraska. He was the youngest of six children born to Clarence E. and Laura (Miltner) Bell. He was survived by a large family, including Carolyn, his wife of 51 years, and children, Debra Corbin, Janet Nalivaiko, Russell Bell, Carolyn (Jeffrey) Von Ahn, Kimberly (James) Andrews, Steven Bell and Jack Watterson. He has 18 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Laura Bell, daughter Penny Watterson and his siblings Walter Bell, Helen Liedtke, Ralph Bell, Irene Lasko, Phyllis Shehee. In 1937 the family first moved to Oregon, Clarence Bell Sr went ahead to find work and he settled in Stayton. Laura Bell brought the three youngest Bell children by a Greyhound bus to joined their father. Later they moved to Portland. Clarence graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1945 and in 1951 graduated from University of Oregon with a Bachelor in Business. Clarence was a track star in high school and college, he competed in the 880-yard run. He broke records and took first place in City and State meets in both high school and college. Clarence served in the Army during WWII. After the war ended he started working in the grocery business where he worked for almost 40 years. After leaving the grocery industry he worked as a custodian for Portland Public Schools, until he retired. On August 25th 1970 Clarence and Carolyn were married. They lived in the St. Johns area of Portland for many years before moving to Vancouver, Washington. In March of 2020 they moved to Assisted Living at Brookdale at Fisher’s Landing. In 1991 Clarence and Carolyn bought property at Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway. The family has many fond memories of the time the spent up at the lake. Clarence enjoyed gardening, fishing, bird watching, watching sports , news, and politics on TV. He was an avid Oregon Ducks fan He especially enjoyed spending time with family. The Miltner Family Reunion that takes place on the third Sunday in July meant a lot to Clarence, he never missed a year. Even in 2020, in the midst of a pandemic when we were not able to gather in person, the reunion was held virtually. Clarence will be honored in a Military Service and laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery on December 17th 2021 at 10:30 am with a reception to follow at The Monarch Hotel. Arrangements by Cascadia Funeral Home Memorial contributions can be made to Brookdale Caregiver Fund. Brookdale Fisher's Landing 17171 SE 22nd Dr. Vancouver, WA 98683 Please go to www.cascadiacremation.com to share your memories