David Gerald 'Pee Wee' Bell, 87, North Platte

by: Carpenter Memorial Chapel - Sep. 17, 2024

David Gerald "Pee Wee" Bell, 87, of North Platte passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 at Miles Memory Care Assisted Living in Papillion.

David was born on April 4, 1937 to James A. and Leta L. Bell on a farm in the Birdwood Creek area northwest of Hershey, the sixth of eight children.

The family moved to North Platte, where David grew up and attended school, graduating from North Platte High School. In 1958, he married Donna J. Fairchild, and together they had two sons: Michael and Thomas.

David then moved the family to the mountains of Colorado where he worked in a mine for a year, then moved to Denver where he worked in a warehouse. The family moved back to Nebraska where he worked at Halligan Ranch, and the North Platte Fire Department.

He then worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 5 years until he was laid off and began work for North Platte Water Department retiring after 18 years in 2002.

His second marriage to Marilyn Bell ended amicably following health issues.

David was predeceased by his parents, James and Leta; 1st wife, Donna; son, Mike; five brothers, James A. Bell, Jr., Robert (Doris) Bell, William Bell, Donald (Karole) Bell, and Gary Bell; two sisters, Alice (Robert) Williams, and Carol McAdams; stepson-in-law, Ron Koester.

Those left to cherish David's memory are his son, Tom (Lori) Bell of North Platte; granddaughter, Makayla (Trevor) Tetley; grandson, Michael (Janessa) Bell; great grandchildren, Maddux, Wrigley, and Brooklyn; former 2nd wife, Marilyn Bell of Denver; sisters-in-law, Donna and Carol Bell; brother-in-law, Jack McAdams; stepdaughter, Sharie Koester; step grandchildren, Jennifer Gilliland and Rebecca Koester; step great grandchildren, Daniel, O'Brian, and Justin Gilliland, Dalton Milam, and Gracelyn Watkins.

Cremation was chosen and a graveside service will be at 1 p.m. on Sept. 25 at North Platte City Cemetery with his neighbor Pastor Doug Lee officiating. Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for future designation.