Harlen Bell, Sr.

Harlen Gene Bell, 79, of Pryor, passed from this life on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at his home. He was born on November 30, 1941, the son of Clyde Weldon and Gladys (Lampley) Bell. Gene grew up and attended school in Lindsay, Oklahoma. After graduating high school, he joined the US Marine Core and faithfully served our country for several years. He then went on to be a truck driver, animal control officer, and worked for the Oregon Job Core as a park ranger. Gene taught at a truck driving school and many would say he was the best truck driver they ever knew. Gene was an avid camper and hunter for many years and loved to travel. In his spare time, he enjoyed whittling walking canes, gardening, making jewelry, and playing with his pride and joy, his dog, Loulubelle. Gene especially loved feeding and watching hummingbirds. He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Gene will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services for Gene will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Shipman’s Funeral Home with Reverend Ken Gerhert officiating. Gene’s final resting place will be Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Gene is survived by his children, Harlan Bell Jr. and wife Willow of Moore, Oklahoma, Kenneth Bell and wife Tina of Pryor, Oklahoma, Mellanie Patak and husband Tony of Orlando, Oklahoma, and Nina Derrickson and husband Rick of Illinois; 17 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; and 2 nephews, William "Corky" and Donnie Lail. He is preceded in death by his parents, Weldon and Gladys; son, Michael Bell; and sister, Rena Husky; and great grandson, Lucas Ryder Harrell.