Merlyn Bell

Merlyn Bell, age 89 of rural Columbus, died Monday, October 5, 2020 at his home.

Graveside services for family and close friends is 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 6 at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard

Merlyn Bell was born December 23, 1930 in Columbus, Nebraska to Fred and Rose (Reinke) Bell. He attended District #44 School and Kramer High School in Columbus. Merlyn served in the U.S. Army from February 20, 1952 to November 19, 1953 where he served as a Combat Vet Front Line Medic with the Med. Co. 160 ^th Infantry Regt. 2 Battalion during the Korean War. Merlyn returned home with High Honors including receiving 3 Bronze Stars. Merlyn's passion was farming, as that is what he devoted his entire life to. He also worked for Aerni's Well Drilling Service and was a member of the NE Well Drillers Association. In his later years Merlyn was employed with the City of Columbus Water Department and with the City of Columbus Transfer Station while still enjoying part-time farming. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing and Solitaire.

He is survived by:
Wife of 58 years: Barbara (Frank) Bell of Columbus, NE
Brother: Delane Bell of Sequim, WA
Sister-in-law: Sharon (Fry) Bell of Columbus, NE
Brother: Don (Ann) Bell of Monroe, NE
Son: Michael Bell and wife Michelle (Hiatt) Bell of Bridgetown, MS
Son: Jerry Bell of Silver Creek, NE
Daughter: Diane (Bell) Eaton and husband Marty Eaton of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren: Justin Bell of Rising City, NE
Catessa Bell of Springhill, TN
Brandin Bell of Memphis, TN
Seth Bell and wife Katie of Independence, MS
Dylan Bell of Memphis, TN
Jerim and Robyn Bell of Rising City, NE
Nicholas Eaton of Columbus, NE
Taylor Eaton of Columbus, NE
Great Grandchildren: Olivia Bell, Dominick Cardenas, Conner Bell, Noah Bell, Jace Bell, Lilah Mae Bell, Leelynd Bell and Gage Pollard

He was preceded in death by:
Parents: Fred and Rose Bell
Siblings: John and Steven Bell (twin sons)
Brother: Gary Bell, Fred Bell, Jr. and Eugene Bell
Grandparents: John and Katherine (Miller) Bell
Charles and Louise (Benning) Reinke
Great Grandchildren: Nichole Bell and Weston Bell