Gus Bell

Gus Bell, 91, of Washington, died on Saturday, October 11, 2014, in the Washington Hospital. He was born on September 21, 1923, in Washington, a son of Nick and Helen White Bell. Mr. Bell was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, having served with the Battery D 152nd Airborne Anti Aircraft Battalion, 11th Airborne Division. He served from March 4, 1943, until his honorable discharge on January 12, 1946. For his service, he was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, with three Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, with one Bronze Star, and the Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Arrowhead. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church. Mr. Bell had worked for 42 years at Washington Barber and Beauty Supply, and for 10 years with Chapman Corporation. On September 24, 1950, he married Rose DeVita, who died on January 18, 2012. Surviving are his companion, Wanda Frazier, a nephew, John (Toni) Corsie, a niece, Linda Collis (Terry) Faust, three great-nieces, Alyssia Cook (Terry) Pettit, Megan Faust (Jack, III) Piatt, and Tera Faust (Frank) Lozar, and a great-nephew, Aaron (Regina) Corsie, all of Washington; and his pets, Jake and Libby. Deceased are his twin sister, Margaret Collis, and sister, Mary Corsie. Mr. Bell holds the Florida State Record for Tarpon, caught with conventional Tackle. His Tarpon was 243 pounds, and was caught in 1975, in Key West, with just 20-pound test line. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, fishing, eating out, and his pets. Friends will be received on Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 16, 2014, with Pastor Michael Lehman officiating. Entombment will follow in the Washington Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the animal organization of donor’s choice.