Vernor Earl Bell

Vernor Earl Bell was born on July 23,1933 in Beaver, Oklahoma to Emery and Pauline (Klingler) Bell.  He left this life on November 26, 2024.

Growing up near Logan, Oklahoma Vernor attended grade school at the Windsor (Copple) School and Logan School.  He transferred to Follett Independent School District in Follett, Texas where he graduated from FHS in 1951.  He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy at Lexington, Missouri in 1953.  He then attended Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) where he was a few hours from receiving an animal husbandry degree.  Nevertheless, he used what he learned on the family farm and ranch.  Partnering with his dad they formed The Bell Bar Ranch, later partnering with his son.  Nephews, grandsons, granddaughter, and others worked for him, learning many life lessons. 

On August 27,1955 he married Delores Terrel and to this union three children were born, Melody Gay, Terrel Lyn and Suzanne.  Besides working on the ranch, Vernor and Delores owned and operated Bell’s Department Store for 15 years.  He was known for selling many pairs of boots and hats to area shoppers.  Vernor had a knack for getting to know strangers and seemingly knew most people from miles around and how they were related.  Vernor served on many boards and organizations over the years including the Follett School Board, Jaycees, Follett Chamber of Commerce, Follett United Methodist Church, Darrouzett National Bank, Western Production Association, and the Follett Lions Club.  In retirement he enjoyed family, friends, some travel and watching the Texas Rangers.

Preceding Vernor in death were his parents and wife of 59 years; his daughter Melody Gay Bell; his brothers-in-law Tommy Gilbert Terrel, Kendall Schoenhals, Marvin Born, Derrel “Hop” Pearcy, and Lynn Brown; and nephew Jarred Parker

Vernor is survived by his son Terrel and wife Annette Bell of Follett; his daughter Suzanne Bell Funicella of Encinitas, CA; his grandsons Patrick and wife Becky Bell of Shattuck, OK and Bryan and wife Jessica Bell of Slapout, OK; his granddaughter Amber and husband Neal Kennedy of Yukon, OK; great grandchildren Scotty, Jadyn, Camden, Jessa, Kendall, Alexis, Brooklyn, Melody, and Liam; his sisters Barbra (Babs) Brown of Tulsa, OK and Karen (Kack) Pearcy of Follett, TX; sisters-in-law Darlene Born, Diana Schoenhals, and Lovita Bedell all of Follett, TX; many nieces, nephews and friends.