David A. Bell, age 77, of Washington, passed away Friday, December 5, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following a six month battle with cancer.

We lost our husband, best friend, dad, grandpa and great grandpa last week. He was a quiet, kind and gentle man. He had respect for others and a faith expressed not so much by words but with actions. He had an abundance of strength, accepting what was handed him until the very end.

Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Stiles officiating. Calling hours will begin 12:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Central Park Community Center and Wild Turkey Federation.

David was born February 22, 1937 in Washington, Iowa, the son of William and Eva (Dodson) Bell. He graduated from Washington High School in 1955 and attended Iowa State University. David served honorably in the United States Army National Guard for six years. He was united in marriage to Mary Clarice Meyers on July 19, 1962 in Washington, Iowa.

David was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed hunting, fishing and all of nature especially out west and Canada. He passed down his love for nature and the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. Some of his other interests included bird watching, history and anything pertaining to the military. David was a member of the Washington County Cattlemen's Association, the Wild Turkey Federation and the NRA.

He is survived by his wife, Clarice Bell of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Lisa Plunkett and husband Barry of Woodinville, Washington; son, Jon Bell and wife Mary of Cape Coral, Florida; son, Jeff Bell and wife Jan of Washington, Iowa; son, Jason Bell and wife Nancy of Washington, Iowa; son, J.J. Bell and wife Jeanie of Washington, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and brother, Pete Bell and wife Carol of Washington, Iowa.

David was preceded in death by his parents.