William Douglas

Bell

William Douglas Bell, USAF CMSgt
September 29, 1930 to May 19, 2024.

William Douglas 'Doug' Bell was born in Lindsborg, Kansas on September 29, 1930. He was the third of nine children born to Tom and Clara Bell.

He was raised in an itinerant farming family for his early years around Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Their family settled for several years in Hugo, Oklahoma where he enjoyed endless days roaming in the woods, fishing, and hunting. In his teens the family moved to Coleman, Texas where his life would see several changes.

He and his cousin Billy Bell hitchhiked to San Francisco, California where they joined the Merchant Marines but never set sail on a ship. After returning to sea, Doug worked at the brick plant and joined the National Guard. At 17 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany with the 7th Constabulary providing peace keeping duties after World War II.

Before he left for Germany, he saw a cute younger girl named Jeanene Coats that told him she was going to marry him. After he separated from the Army and returned to Coleman, he began seeing Jeanene and the romance turned to a marriage in 1951. That marriage lasted for almost 72 years before her passing on May 23, 2023.

When the Korean War started, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served for the next 23 years. He and Jeanene were stationed at McConnell AFB, Perrin Field, Elmendorf AFB, Dyess AFB, and Sheppard AFB where the adopted their son. After Sheppard AFB the three of them were stationed in Peshawar, Pakistan, Goodfellow AFB, RAF Chicksands in England, and finally at Lackland AFB where Doug retired after 23 years. He rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt).

The family moved to Abilene and Doug enjoyed his retirement working on Volkswagens, hunting, fishing, and swimming in their pool.

In 1981 he joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he made a big impact by organizing VFW Post 6873, serving as a post and district officer, and becoming the Department of Texas Commander in 1998-1999. He also served on the National Council and as the Co-Chairman of the National Homeless Veterans Committee, a cause that he had a passion for.

During those same years he and Jeanene returned to college where he earned an associate degree in real estate management. The two of them continue to pursue development through Abilene Toastmasters where he excelled and earned three Distinguished Toastmaster awards. They were also involved with the American Institute of Parliamentarians. He and Jeanene also bought property in Cisco, Texas where he spent many hundreds of hours working and enjoying many activities.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife Jeanene, parents Tom and Clara Bell, sisters Bonnie Ruth and Mary Sue, and brothers John, Lewis, Harold, and Truman.

He is survived by son William Douglas Bell II, grandchildren Melanie Jane Squires's and William Douglas Bell III, and great grandchildren Jaden Squires, Keira Squires, Noah Squires, Jackson Bell, and Preston Bell.

In honor of his passion for veterans and their families, donations can be made his name to the VFW Foundation, VFW National Home, or VFW Children's Home.