Clear, 33° F
(May 14, 1951 - June 10, 2015)
David Wayne Bell of Cody died of pancreatic cancer on June 10, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 64.
David was born in Richmond, Virginia, on May 14, 1951, graduated from high school in Nashville, Tennessee, and received his degree in international studies from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.
After college, he restored old buildings in Kentucky for 12 years, taking pride in creating beauty. He was married and his first daughter, Sarah, was born. After the birth of his first child, he found great purpose in becoming a provider. He later divorced.
In 1986, David married Carol Flitner of Shell and began a life of love and family. They lived in Lexington for six years where his next two children, Luke and Jane, were born.
In 1992, he and Carol moved to Wyoming where they made their home in the wonderful community of Cody. He spent his last 22 years working for Mountain West Farm Bureau as an agent then a regional manager. His colleagues jokingly referred to him as “The Philosopher.” He retired in December 2013.
David was an honest, hard-working man who took pride in a job well done, be it carpentry work, planting a garden, advising his family and friends or packing for a camping trip. His interests and personality were broad and eclectic. He loved road biking with Carol, motorcycling with his buddies, traveling the world and an excellent cappuccino.
David was a good listener and challenged people to think beyond pre-conceived notions. He was inquisitive and thoughtful, an avid historian and a lover of details. He took time every day to be grateful for a “perfect moment.”
David will be deeply missed by so many whose lives he touched.
David is survived by his wife Carol Flitner Bell; his three children Sarah (David) Hellevang of Laramie, Luke Bell of Nashville, Tennessee, and Jane Bell of the family home. He is also survived by his parents, Wayne and Virginia Bell of Lexington; his four siblings Brenda Bell of Maryville, Tennessee, Marsha (Terry) Uselton of Knoxville, Tennessee, Laura Bell (David Beckett) of Cody, and Ken (Linda) Bell of Lexington; and many more loving family members.
Funeral services will be at the Christ Church Episcopal in Cody on Wednesday, June 17, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wyoming Public Radio and Spirit Mountain Hospice of Cody, both of which provided such comfort and strength during his time of need. Or you may simply leave a large tip for someone who has done a great job … David loved rewarding people everywhere for a job well done.
