Charles Bell, Jr.

Charles “Duck” Bell, Jr., 80, a longtime Okmulgee resident, died Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Claremore Veteran’s Center.  He was born June 28, 1928 in Morris to Charles Bells Sr. and Marget (Harvey) Bell.  He married Barbara Ann Williams in Okmulgee on August 21, 1947.  Duck was a professional wrestler and a football and basketball referee.  He worked for Fidler-Harlan Motor Company for 25 years and retired from OSU-Okmulgee.  He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ralph Bell.  Survivors include his wife, Barbara Bell of Broken Arrow, three sons, Larry Gene Bell and wife Joan of Tahlequah, Randy Charles Bell and wife Debbie of Okmulgee and Dwain Allen Bell and wife Karla of Tulsa, three sisters, Nola Whitson of Okmulgee, Betty Otto of Okemah and Carol Nichols of Okmulgee and a brother, Floyd Bell of Okmulgee, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at St. Anthony Catholic Church  with Father Benjamin Vima officiating.  Interment will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Jerry Biddle, Larry Biddle, Fred Harlan, Jack Kroll, Mike Venable and Irvin Kroll.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.  Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclendon-winters.com