Claude Vernon Bell

Claude Vernon (Vern) Bell passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1943 to Oscar and Agnes Bell. In 1961, he graduated from High School in Idaho and joined the United States Air Force shortly afterward. Upon completion of training he was stationed at many locations; including Shemya Island, Alaska, Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Okinawa, Japan.

He was also a decorated Vietnam war veteran who was extremely proud of his service to the country he loved.

In the mid 1970s, Vern was transferred to FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. While out for the evening on October 3rd 1976, he spotted Marylou and asked her to dance. After dancing together all evening, Vern told Marylou that she'd never dance with another man again. 50 years later, that still held true, and that's their beautiful love story! On the last day of that same year, they were married. So, on December 31st, 1976, our family was established. Less than a year after that, Vern adopted Marylou's 3 children Julie, Mark, and Chris. What a wonderful and loving dad to he was to them! In December of 1978, Vern moved his family to San Vito AFB, in southern Italy for his next assignment. During this time, Vern and the family enjoyed living in San Michele, Salentino on a beautiful little farm. He enjoyed traveling to many Italian landmarks and local beaches. Vern was quite a softball player and competed frequently on the base recreation teams. After 3½ years in Italy, Vern was transferred to Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska in 1981, where he eventually retired from the USAF after a 22 year career. He returned to the same office at Offutt AFB doing the same work, except now in the Civil Service. After 20 more years of dedicated service in the Civil Service, Vern retired again, completing his 42 year career of revered and distinguished service to our country.

Vern enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play baseball over the years, and he spent some of that time as the head coach on his sons' little league teams. Vern showed his deep love for family in many ways including driving overnight from Omaha to Cincinnati for his granddaughter's first birthday. On another occasion, Vern drove over 24 hours straight through to care for his daughter in Raleigh when she was very sick and he took care of her for 3 weeks. He was always there for all of us for anything and any time! Vern enjoyed regularly watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers Football team.

Vern was preceded in death by his wife Marylou by only ten days! What a joyful reunion that will be! Together again with no more confusion or pain.

He is survived by his 3 children, Julie Bell of Raleigh, NC, Mark Bell (Gretchen), and Chris Bell of Omaha, Nebraska. Vern was called Papa by his grandchildren, Amanda Gazave, Nathan Bell, Austin Bell (Shelby), Brandi Wilke ( Kyle), and Anna Bell Vern also had 7 great grandchildren. Rachel Gazave, Aurora Bell, Landon Gazave (2018-2020), Graysan Bell, Emmy Bell, Klara Johnson, and his newest great grandson, Osmund Bell (1 month) who met Papa shortly before he passed. You have always been our hero and we will always miss and love you!

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. By Julie Bell