Leland Bell

Obituary

Leland Glenn Bell, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 11, 2016 surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Wilma Bell; his brother, Lester Bell; and his grandson, Patrick Trihey. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley; three children, Susan Trihey, Debby Bell, David Bell; and two grandchildren, Megan Trihey and Kevin Trihey. While Leland was born in Yuma, Arizona, he grew up on the family farm in Shafter. He played tennis in high school and graduated from Shafter High School in 1941. He attended Bakersfield College, with plans to continue his education with a degree in electrical engineering. This dream was cut short by the start of World War II. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943, with basic training at Camp Irwin. He was a radar operator and was part of the Signal Service Group. During his tour of the Pacific, he served in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. He returned to Shafter in 1946, and began his farming career with his father. He met the love of his life, Shirley, at the service station where she worked pumping gas and they were married in 1948. Three children followed, with lots of hard work and long hours to make a viable farming operation. He and his family belonged to the Congregational Church in Shafter, now the Congregational Bible Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder. After the unexpected death of his father, he assumed sole farming duties. Bell Farms worked 1,400 acres at its largest with crops including alfalfa, cotton, potatoes, sugar beets, and carrots. His son joined the farming operation full-time in 1980. Leland never retired, but as he slowed down, Bell Farms was downsized and converted to almonds starting in 1996. In 2000, Leland was named Farmer of the Year by the City of Shafter’s Chamber of Commerce. Leland was universally loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He valued education, and was a life-long learner, interested in science and history. He devoted endless hours to helping his many friends and his church family. He could fix anything. He was quiet, humble, thoughtful, and polite. He was a true gentleman, kind and fair to everyone. He had a wonderful sense of humor, delivering great one-liners and funny quips with a straight face. He was truly a special man, and will be missed by all. His family wants to give a special thank you to his caregivers of the last 18 months. The loving care provided by Chelsea, Kayla, Celia and Mari made his last few months very comfortable. We will be forever grateful. Services in Shafter are as follows: Viewing at Peters Funeral Home, 844 E. Lerdo Hwy, Friday, June 17, 2016, 4-8 p.m. Celebration of life at the Congregational Bible Church, 430 Tulare Avenue, Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11 a.m. Donations in his honor may be made to the Congregational Bible Church.