Dennis Lee Bell

Dennis Lee Bell, 86, passed away on January 5th in Abilene, Texas. Private family gravesite services will be held on Saturday, January 11th at Pioneer Cemetery, Graham, Texas, conducted by Rev. D.C. Adams, Minister of First Presbyterian Church.

Born on July 28, 1938 in Newburg, Oregon, Dennis was the only child of Vernie Theodore Bell and Mary Helen Groth Bell, who were originally from North Dakota. His grandfather had migrated from County Down, Ireland to North Dakota. At a young age, Dennis would settle with his parents in Portland. Dennis graduated from Franklin High School and participated in the school orchestra playing violin. In his youth he was in the Portland Junior Symphony which later was renamed as the Portland Youth Philharmonic. This is the oldest youth orchestra in the United States. His college career would begin at Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. One of his fondest memories was marching with the Oregon State University Marching Band in the 1957 Rose Bowl Parade. Taking a break from studies, Dennis enrolled in the U.S. Army which took him to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There he participated in the 77th Army Band. Mutual friends would introduce him to his future wife, Jane Carolyn Geurin. In 1961 they would marry at Fairview Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. They celebrated their sixty-third anniversary, just prior to her passing in September, 2024. Resuming his studies in music education at Arkansas State Teachers College, Conway, Arkansas, Dennis received his degree and became Band Director at Fuller High School, Little Rock, Arkansas. He also earned his Masters degree in Music Education from Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Their Family now included two daughters, Dede and Pam.

The Family relocated to Abilene, Texas as Dennis was hired as Orchestra Director for Cooper High School and Madison Junior High School. He would remain with the Abilene School District for the duration of his teaching career. In the early 1980s Dennis worked with his father-in-law, Jim Geurin, in management of Hub Machine & Tool, Inc,, a family business. Abilene was always home to Jane and Dennis. They were avid supporters of all their grandchildren’s activities. They were long-time members of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Dennis loved fishing, golf and enjoyed having their home on the Fairway Oaks Golf course.

Dennis is survived by his daughter Denise Carolyn Bell Lemen and husband, Mitch of Abilene; daughter, Pamela Lynn Bell Horn and husband, Dr. John of Gainesville; granddaughter, Taylor Horn Anderson and husband, Jared of Abilene; Grandson Blake Lemen and wife, Erica of Austin; John Geren Horn and wife, Jensen of College Station; Brady Lemen and wife, Meagan of Abilene; great-grandchildren Milo Anderson, Avery Jane Anderson, Heidi Lemen, Piper Lemen and Hudson Lemen; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Geurin Thetford of Graham; nephew Garrett Pettus and wife, Julie of Graham; nephew Wyatt Pettus and wife, Kristina of Graham; great-nephews Geurin Pettus and Wyatt Z. Pettus; great-nieces Olivia Pettus, Jensen Pettus and Ella Pettus and extended family Kay and Robert Lemen.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Carolyn Geurin Bell, his parents Vernie Theodore Bell and Mary Helen Groth Bell, and his brother-in-law Kenneth Thetford.

Those desiring to honor Dennis’ memory can donate to a charity dear to their hearts.