Donald William Bell, United States Army Veteran

Donald William Bell was born on August 21, 1940 at Detroit, Michigan and died on April 19, 2010 in an accident which, tragically, cut short his life.  He had just bought a new Honda motorcycle and was riding it home when he hit a patch of gravel on the roadway, and lost control.  He was 69 at the time of his passing and a resident of Copperas Cove, Texas.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army for  seven years and attained the rank of Specialist.

At the time of his death he was a truck driver for Schneider and was a Baptist by faith.

Funeral services were held on April 23 in Copperas Cove.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags to welcome the arriving family and friends.  The Riders then escorted  the hearse to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for the rendering of military honors and interment.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said by a Baptist minister.  A United States Army Honor Guard rendered  military honors.  The Army bugler played taps,  the Honor Guard folded the flag that had draped the coffin into the traditional triangle, and presented it to the family on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.

The services concluded with the Patriot Guard Riders bagpiper playing the mournful tune, “Amazing Grace.”

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Donald William Bell was  laid to rest on the gentle, western slope of the cemetery, overlooking the Texas hill country, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, two sisters, three brothers and many other dear family and friends.


With thanks to Sheppard Funeral Home for biographical information.