Raymond Bell Obituary, Death Cause – Raymond E. Bell, who was 84 years old and from Leavenworth, passed away on July 2, 2023 at his home while his family was there. He was the son of John E. Bell and Marguerite (Gonterwitz) Bell and was born on May 17, 1939 in Leavenworth, Kansas. His full name is John E. Bell Jr. After finishing elementary school at St. Casimir’s, Ray continued his education at Leavenworth High School, Chanute Junior College, and Kansas State University.
Ray joined the Leavenworth Fire Department on February 1, 1965, and after serving there for the next 34 years, he was promoted to the position of Battalion Chief. On November 19, 1965, Ray Eckert and Karen Eckert were wed after being introduced to one another at Homer’s Drive-In by their shared circle of acquaintances. Their names are Michelle, Wade, and Ryan, and they have three children. His favorite things to do were coach baseball and softball and see his children and grandchildren participate in a variety of activities, the most of which were musical or sporting in nature, with baseball and softball being his favorite.
Ray took his retirement from the Fire Department in 1999, and after that he and Karen had a wonderful time traveling to 42 different states and Italy (he particularly liked the Alaskan Cruise). Ray’s favorite place to be when he wasn’t traveling was on the golf course. His parents, brother Charles (Murph) Bell, and sister Carol Garber all passed away before him. He followed in their footsteps.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Karen; his daughter, Michelle Odom, who resides in West Virginia; his sons, Wade (Whitney) Bell, who resides in Lawrence, Kansas, and Ryan (Rachel) Bell, who is in Chanute, Kansas; and his grandkids, Logan Odom, Jared Odom, Blaise Bell, and Maggie Bell. The R.L. Leintz Funeral Home will be open for visitation on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from four to six o’clock in the evening. On Monday, July 10, 2023, a funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Church, and it will begin at 10 a.m. In place of sending flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Church of Saint Francis de Sales or the charity of your choice.
