Willard Bell

Willard Bell, 92, of Cottonwood died peacefully June 12, 2003. He was born January 7, 1911 in St. Louis, Missouri. The youngest of four children, his life adventures began when his family loaded the wagon, hitched the horses and moved to Wyoming. At age twelve, he was teaching people to drive automobiles (his father, William Bell, sold the cars). After graduating high school in Riverton, Wyoming, Mr. Bell continued his education in engineering and mechanics. He also learned to repair and fly aircraft. This knowledge took him all over the world. From being a Navy Sea-Bee in the South Pacific to missile inspector in Europe to District Aviation Mechanics Inspector of Alaska and more. Most of all he loved to fly. Along the way, he met, fell in love with and married Calista \u0027\u0027Katie\u0027\u0027 Grant. They settled down in Venice, California, where Mr. Bell worked for McDonnell-Douglas as an aircraft engineer. They moved to Cottonwood in 1978 and were happily married until Calista\u0027s death in 1980. Mr. Bell was blessed with love again-1981, when he married Georgia Franklin and had many years of joy and laughter until her death in November 1999. Family members preceeding Mr. Bell\u0027s death are his father, William C. Bell, mother Eunice Bell, brother Ronald Bell, and sisters, Irene B. Redman and Marion Daley. He leaves behind a nephew and his wife, Gary and Elizabeth Redman of Montana; a niece and her husband, JoAnn and Fred Piper; greatniece Cindy Ward and her soulmate Dan Milkowski; greatnephew John D. Ward, all from Cottonwood. He also leaves behind four stepchildren, Kelly and Kevin Haas of Cottonwood, Robin Watson of California, David Franklin of Washington and Wain Franklin of California, many stepgrandchildren, and his cats, Tubby and Frisky, all of whom will carry on loving memories. There are no public services pallned. Westcott Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.