DAVID A. BELL – CLASS OF 1959

DAVID A. BELL – CLASS OF 1959

Bell, David “Dave” A. of Westlake Village, California

1937 – 2022

David A. “Dave” Bell, 85, of Westlake Village, CA passed away after a brief illness on August 18, 2022, in the privacy of the home he owned since 1994.

He was born January 15, 1937, in Port Huron, MI to the late Howard and Pearl Bell. He worked at Smith Family Funeral Home as a youth attending Port Huron High School, class of 1955. He sailed the Great Lakes on the Otto M. Reiss and was top of his ROTC class at Western Michigan. David proudly served his country in the Army during the Cold War as a Field Artillery Officer stationed Germany, with training in Fort Knox, KY and Fort Sill, OK. He was very proud of the years serving his country and called his time in Germany, some of the most memorable days of his life.

David headed West and began a thriving career in 1967 with IBM in Los Angeles, where he led the prestigious One Hundred Percent Club until his retirement, 25 years later in 1992. He continued his career with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he retired in 2010 after more than 24 years of commitment and Government service as a Services Officer and Manager.

David resided in Marina Del Rey, Malibu, Calabasas and Westlake Village. He was an avid reader, history buff, captivating storyteller, had a knack for remembering dates and addresses, genuinely loved people, college sports and animals. He also loved planes, trains, and automobiles – any mode of transportation by air, land or sea tickled him pink.

His gregarious smile, charming personality and over the top sense of humor will stand the test of time. He is survived by his daughter, Megan; two beloved dogs, Bugsy and Benny; sister, Janet (Donald) VanDommelen and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; sister, Lois; former spouse, Rosa; and daughter, Lisa-Marie.

Graveside services, military honors, and interment will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron. Reverend Dr. G. Patrick Thompson will officiate. David’s celebration of life will be held in Westlake Village, CA on 10/22/22; please reach out to Smith Family Funeral Home for details. Arrangements were entrusted to Smith Family Funeral Home of Port Huron. For over 52 ½ years, David was a Mason of The Mount Scott Lodge of Oklahoma – for those who feel a donation would be appropriate, any amount contributed in the name of David A. Bell would be greatly appreciated www.mcfok.org/donation. For information and guestbook, www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.com