Mr. Joe Bell passed away January 19th at the age of 90.

Joe is survived by his children, Rob Bell and wife Ruth Ann of Houston, Paula McCauley and husband Gary of Port O'Conner, Murray Lord and wife Sheila of Fredericksburg; special granddaughter Michelle Moldenhauer and husband Chris of Fredericksburg; 5  more grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and sisters Margaret Ann Bell and Polly Sue Clark.

Joe was born May 11, 1933, in Call TX, to Edgar Walton and Pauline Gee Bell. He married Carroll Ann Robinson August 29, 1973 in Beaumont TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, son Michael Lord, grandson Brandon Bell and siblings Mary Jon Bell Tarver, Thomas Edgar Bell and Delton Ray Bell.

Joe attended Silsbee Independent School District 1939-1950, Lamar University 1975-1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, specializations Math, Economics and General Special Education. His graduate hours were at Mount Holyoke, South Hadley MA, Lesley College, Boston MA and Cambridge University, Boston MA. He spent 21 years in banking with Silsbee State Bank, Neches National Bank and Gateway National Bank. He also spent 20 plus years in education beginning with Johnson City Independent School District, Boerne Independent School District, Blanco Independent School District and Comfort Independent School District.

Reflections by Joe Bell

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday, that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all... And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams...  But, here it is.... the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise.... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And when did my youth go?

I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... But, here it is... wife retired and she's really getting gray... she moves slower and I see an older woman now. She is  in better shape than me... but, I see great change... Not the one I married who was young and vibrant. but like me, her age is beginning to show and a we are now older .folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things. But, at least, I know, that though the winter has come, I'm not sure how long will last... This I know, that when it's over... it's over... Yes, I have regrets... There are things I wish I hadn't done... things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime... So, if you're not in your winter yet... let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Life goes by quickly. S6,-do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life... so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...

"Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one."

LIVE IT WELL!

Funeral services for Joe Bell will be held 1 p.m. February 1st in the chapel of Fredericksburg Funeral Home with Rev. Casey Zesch officiating. The family will greet friends 12-1 p.m. before the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Preschool Building Fund, Methodist Hill Country Hospice, Heritage School or the charity of one's choice