Jack Dwayne Bell, 77, of Findlay passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. He was born on January 17, 1940 to the late E. Vaughn and E. Gail (Stump) Bell in Wharton, Ohio. A graduate of Wharton School in 1958, he excelled at playing basketball. He grew up working the family farm and following graduation, began working at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company until he retired in 1998 after 40 years of service.
He married Lois Jean Thompson (Shank) in 1959 and they later divorced.
Jack loved his bird dogs and spent his many years hunting pheasants, quail, and grouse around Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa with his good friend Ralph Nigh. He was a member of the NRA, Pheasants Forever, and a faithful supporter of the United Conservation & Outdoor Association (UCOA). He had a passion for sporting clay and skeet, and would shoot hundreds of rounds weekly with his many friends at UCOA, Indian Ridge Sporting Clays, Rush Creek Sportsmen’s Club, Hog Creek Game Club, and Elkhorn Lake Hunt Club.
He was a loyal patron of the Pilgrim Family Restaurant where a sandwich is named after him, and he enjoyed spending time at Jaqua’s Fine Guns and TNT Firearms.
Dad was a supporting and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and had a special way of spinning tales and telling long lasting stories that will stay with us forever. He absolutely adored his family and was a wonderful role model. He spent special moments taking his family hunting, and fishing on his pond with his grandchildren. Dad had a warm heart, ears that listened, and strong arms to hold us tight. He gave us incredible memories that made our time with him unforgettable.
He is survived by two sons Kevin (Lynne) Bell, and Craig (Kathy) Bell, four grandchildren Stephanie (Nate) DeCooman, Kaelan (Alyssa) Bell, Andrew Bell, and Brandon Bell, two great-grandchildren Ava and Cohen DeCooman, and a brother Jan (Carol) Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Joe Bell.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 12-3 pm at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. Memorial service to follow at 3:00 pm.
Special thanks to Anna and Jessica of Bridge Hospice, and Sharon and Danielle of Caretakers for the exceptional care they gave him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bridge Hospice in Bowling Green, and UCOA in Findlay.