A bright, shining light streaming mischief and love departed this earth Friday night July 28th in his home surrounded by his family. Curtis Bell was born October 30, 1950 to Loyal J and Jeanne (Boyd) Bell in Southwest Baptist Hospital Mangum, OK, currently Greer County Museum. He graduated from Mangum High School in 1968. He attended Oklahoma State University 1968-69. He then served his country in the US Army from 1969-72 spending part of that time in Germany. He later attended West Texas A&M receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Business. Curtis was united in marriage to Marilyn Wooldridge on December 22, 1973 in Reed, OK. They shared an everlasting love and partnership for the next 43 years.
Curtis was very active in many organizations in Mangum, Founding Member-Old Greer County Western Heritage Association, Greer County Museum Trustee and Member, Western Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee, Mangum Education Foundation Hall of Fame Recipient. A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, Curtis served as a member of the Board of Trustees, member of the finance committee, and a Sunday school teacher for 15 years. He was also a volunteer for the Reed fire department. Curtis with other Reed residents worked with SW OK Development Authority to establish a rural fire department for the area. He served as a volunteer. Curtis enjoyed writing articles for the newspapers and hosting a weekly radio show for the Chamber of Commerce. Greer County is a better place because of his generosity.
Curtis was a rancher by birth, trade, and passion. He loved every aspect of the cowboy life from riding and roping to checking every cow by name. He took pleasure in writing and sharing poetry about his cowboy experiences.
Curtis was a devoted husband, father, and papa. He could always be found at his girl's and later grandkids's ballgames, stock shows, or church programs. He cherished every minute he was able to spend with his family. Curtis has friendships from all walks of life which spans many generations. He could always be found helping a neighbor any way he could.
Preceded in Death by his Parents
Survivors include:
Wife: Marilyn Bell, Mangum, OK
3 Daughters: Jeanna Scott and husband Spencer, Martha, OK
Lida Trusler and husband Trent, Dalhart, TX Sara Box and husband Reade, Clinton, OK
Brother: Verlin Bell and wife Karla, Bridgecreek, OK
9 Grandchildren: Skyler Scott, McKenna "Boo" White, Morgan "Prissy" White,
Jadyn "Belle" Trusler, Hunter "Bubba" Trusler,
Jacee "Pumpkin" Trusler, Quintin "Big Q" Box,
Dyson "Smiley" Box, Addilyn "Addy B" Box
A Very Special Aunt: Louise Mathews and husband Harley, Mangum, OK
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.