Richard Charles Bell, 94, of Burlington, died Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born May 7, 1931, in Donnellson, he was the son of Roy and Mary (Paschal) Bell. On August 7, 1955, he married Kathryn Miller in Fort Madison, IA.
Richard graduated from Fort Madison High School, class of '51, where he met his future wife of 70 years, Kathryn. Richard then served in the United States Navy as a store keeper on the USS Severn and USS Cadmus during the Korean War. He later worked for 30 years as a security guard at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.
Richard was a very positive person. He enjoyed staying active - walking constantly (at times wearing out his treadmill) and keeping physically fit. Richard liked serving his community. There were many times he could be found with Kathryn and his family serving meals at the Burlington waterfront during Farmers Market with the Evening Lions Club. Richard enjoyed watching sports and following his favorite teams; the St. Louis Cardinals, Iowa Hawkeyes and SCC Blackhawks Basketball.
Richard loved his family deeply and the time he spent with them. They would go on numerous camping trips and travel to the state fair. Their trips started small, at the beginning in a pup tent, but eventually they traveled in comfort in a larger camper. Richard's quiet, kind personality will be missed deeply, but his memory will continue through all who love him.
Survivors include wife, Kathryn; son, Steven (Jeanne) Bell; grandchildren, Eric (Jaclyn) Bell and Rachel (Daniel) Ray; great-grandsons Harlan Bell and Killian Ray; one nephew and three nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Neva Forrest, William Bell, Vivian Frels and Lorene Sloan.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Parkside First Baptist Church, 300 Potter Drive.
The funeral service for Mr. Bell will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 16, 2026, at Parkside First Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Ullom officiating. A luncheon will follow the funeral service, also at church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Ft. Madison.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Parkside First Baptist Church.
Please continue to keep Richard's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.