Frank Bell

Frank G. Bell, Jr., a native of Birmingham, passed away January 18, 2016 in Mandeville, Louisiana. He was 95 years old. Frank, who was a veteran of WWII, served his country in the United States Marine Corps while stationed in Samoa. After his military service, he had a long career with the United States Post Officea�"first as a railway mail clerk and later at the Crestline Post Office. Frank was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Marine Corps League; and the American Legion, where he served as Chaplain. Also, he was a member of Crestway Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Carpenter for Christ. Frank is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth Bourn Bell, and his sister Martelia Bell Swagler. He is survived by his daughters, Ginger Bell Downie of Abita Springs, Louisiana, and Peggy Bell Craven of Scottsboro, Alabama; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister Mary Bell Yancey of Richmond, Virginia, and many nieces and nephews. The Swagler family was a great joy for Frank during his retirement years. He shared a special relationship with his nephew Rick; his wife, Susan; and their children, Allison, Andrew, and Eleanor. Frank will be remembered as a fun-loving person who enjoyed playing cards, fishing, waterskiing, traveling, and building things. He will be greatly missed. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a visitation at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens on Saturday, January 23, from 1-2 p.m. There will be a short graveside service following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Frank's church or to one of his veterans' organizations.