Wayne Bell, 90, of Springfield, Missouri, passed from this life November 19, 2024. He was born July 30, 1934, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to Raymond and Frances (Coker) Bell.

Wayne was proud to be from Tishomingo and delighted to learn that his favorite country singer, Blake Shelton, was from there as well. However, Wayne truly grew up in San Diego County, CA. He graduated from Hoover High School, and served in the Army right after graduation during the Korean War. While in the Army he received an accommodation for creating the first nomenclature listing for every item, from a paperclip to a tank, for the 101st Division.

He often spoke of beginning his career as a lather when he was 13, working next to his father. After he returned from the service he continued working for his father and eventually taking over the family business. Through the ups and downs of construction, he was proud of his work and at some point in his life, he not only taught in the schools leading young men to become lather journeymen, he also became an Expert Witness in lawsuits, when one was needed. As lathing faded through changes in construction, it became an art and he was often used for the construction of more exclusive homes that requested this art-form. He retired himself and his business at the age of 79.

Wayne loved football and baseball, and as a young teen was bat boy and ball boy for the San Diego Padre’s in the 1950's when they played at Lane Field. He even had the opportunity to travel with them a couple of times. He also had a great love of golf and eventually became the owner of the San Diego Golf Association where he served for over 40 years and aided young men to gain expertise in golfing. Another sport he loved was stock car racing. He helped build the El Cajon stock car racing field and also supported stock car drivers at the Barona Stock Car races.

Wayne was an avid reader of the Louis L'Amour books. Owning well over 100 of his books, you could often find him reading and re-reading them. Many times, someone could find him in an old used book store seeking more of L’Amour’s books to read.

Wayne had a very compassionate heart and was concerned for those in need. Owning two horses he would bring them to events for disabled children so they could experience riding. He cared about the homeless and would offer them clothes or other items. If a neighbor, family member, or friend needed help, he was there with a tool and would leave it for their future use.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Katherine Bell. Though only 11 years together, they were loving years, fun in travels via cruises through the Caribbean islands, and many drives across the U.S. He also leaves behind his sister Jody Linney and her sons, Jeff and Jerry Linney who are caring for her. Also survived by his children: Randy Bell, Diana Bell-Sharp, and Marshall Bell; his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His step children include Lana Cummings, Christopher Mudd, Ann Steward, Michael Mudd, and Galyn Mudd.

Surely now he is dancing in heaven with his mother and building one more building with his father. He has also reconnected with his two brothers, Ray and Gerry.

Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory. His burial will take place at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on December 6, 2024. at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home - Mt. Vernon, c/o April Cutbirth, Administrator, 1600 S. Hickory, Mt Vernon, MO 65712; The Alzheimer Association at https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/.