Robert Bell

Dr. Robert G. Bell (Bob)

Passed away at his home in Roswell, New Mexico on August 29, 2017.
Bob was born, May 6, 1938, in Clovis, New Mexico to the home of Galen Linden and Lillian (Canipe) Bell.

He was educated in the Clovis School system, graduating in 1956. He participated in athletics and school organizations throughout his public school education. Bob became a follower of Christ as a teenager, remaining active in his faith throughout his life time, serving as a college Baptist Student Union director and pastoring several small rural churches for a number of years. At the time of his death he was a member of First Baptist Church in Roswell, NM. He had moved his membership from the Central Baptist Church of Clovis, NM when he and his wife Elwanda moved to Roswell.

Bob served in the US Army active duty in the field artillery from 1957 to 1959. He then served in the New Mexico National Guard from 1959 to 1966.

He was a life's long educator. He received his Bachelor and Master degrees from Eastern New Mexico University and his Doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Post-doctoral study was obtained at a number of other universities.
He served as teacher and/or administrator during his career in the Clovis Public Schools, in 1965 Bob came to New Mexico Military Institute where he served as Assistant Football Coach, History Instructor and later the Director of Financial Aid. In 1979, Bob became the Director of Financial Aid for Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Wanting to move back to the Eastern New Mexico area and his family, he accepted a the Dean of Instruction position at Clovis Community College, and then was the Academic Dean at Eastern New Mexico University- Roswell until he retired in 1988.

After retiring from education, he spent the last sixteen years of his professional career as the Executive Director of Mental Health Resources, Inc.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Darla Pittman of Milton, Florida and his Brother-in-laws, Harold Sacane and U.L. Pittman. He is survived by his wife, Elwanda Bell, one son, Robert Harlon Bell and wife Shelly of Roswell, two grandsons, Robert Bell of Albuquerque with wife Tiffany and family: Kalyee, Robin and Tristan. Richard Bell of Roswell with wife Adri and family, Evie, Emma and Ellie. Sisters Karen Bell of Albuquerque, and Nancy Sacane of Clovis. He is survived also by close family friend, Joan Worden and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to all the care givers, Roswell Fire Department, EMS and Roswell Police Department for the extended care given to Bob during his recent illness.

A memorial service to follow on September 9th, 2017 at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church 500 N Pennsylvania Ave, Roswell, NM 88201. Pastor Aaron Colyer officiating. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Louis Jones Memorial Scholarship fund. For further information contact: Jackie Portillo jportillo@nmml.org.

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