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Charles Herbert (Chuck) Bell, 79

| March 17, 2010 4:09 AM

Charles Herbert (Chuck) Bell, longtime resident of Athol, Idaho, passed away in the loving arms of his family on March 14, 2010, in Coeur d’Alene. Chuck was born on Feb. 9, 1931, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, to Terrance V. Bell and Nellie E. Bell. Chuck is the youngest of seven and is survived by one sister, Maureen Cecil of Mt. Pleasant and countless nieces, nephews and cousins also in Texas.     

After serving two years at the end of WWII Chuck met and married Norma J. Smith on Sept. 3, 1950, in Reno, Nev. 

Chuck and Norma moved to Athol in 1972. They lived at Trestle Creek for 17 years before moving back home to Athol. Chuck was a truck driver and a musician all his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and most of all playing guitar and spending time with his wife, Norma and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Chuck is survived by his wife, four children, four sons and daughters-in-law, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren: Charles D. Bell, wife Shawn, and their children and grandchildren Charles and Stacey Markley, Kaili, Blaise and Olivia; Lucas and Cammie Bell, Dylan, Conner and Jake; Nellie Bell, Randy and Elly Mae Vander kolk; Emily and Ben Dillon, Marshal, and expected newborn son. And son Billy Bell; Debra Moore, husband Jim, and their children and grandchildren Kris Moore, Keith and Vali Moore, Aron and Dylan; Gary Moore, Amber Tinkess, Coel and Cendell; James Lee Moore, Katie Frabel, Nora Lee, James Joseph and Emma Joann; Gary Bell, wife Evie, and children and grandchildren Shannon Masterson, Cole, Kiley and Nathan; Wiley and Annie Masterson, Wiley Dale III and Joanna.  And son Nick Masterson; Michele McCormick, husband Todd, of Wasilla, Alaska, their children Brandon Bell, Megan and Shelby McCormick.

He and his wife, Norma are inductees to the Western Swing Hall of Fame in Sacramento, Calif. Chuck has played music for 65 years and leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations. His love and his music has brought and bound together family and friends for many years. He will be revered and remembered by all as the most kind and loving husband, father, brother, Papa, uncle, friend, truck driver and guitar picker there ever was. 

A viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. The service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. The services will be officiated by Reverend Bob Evans, longtime friend and fellow musician.    

Please visit Chuck’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.