SFC Rhuben R. Bell, United States Army, Ret.

 

Rhuben Bell was born in Grayson County, Texas on January 3, 1938 and passed away December 8, 2012 in Grapevine, Texas, at the age of 74.


Rhuben proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 22 years and retired in 1979 with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  His tours of duty included service in Vietnam, Korea, Germany and Fort Hood, Texas.  His numerous military decorations include the Good Conduct Medal with five bronze loops.






Rhuben accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and served faithfully and continually until the end.  He united with Grace Christian Center in Killeen, Texas, after his marriage to his loving wife, Emma. His faithful service at Grace included elder, greeter, Men's Ministry, and Meals Made with Grace.  He was a great cook, particularly of barbecue.  He kept his place in the front foyer of the church and was lovingly known as the "Door Keeper."




On December 17, an Interment service was held for SFC Bell at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen. On hand to honor this veteran were the Patriot Guard Riders who manned fifty American flags that lined the roadway at the committal shelter.


After the flag draped casket was carried from the coach to the shelter by the Army Honor Detail, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter during the service. 


The Minister led the gathering in the final prayers.  The Honor Detail performed full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps as all in attendance stood and saluted the coffin.

The Honor Detail carefully folded the flag that covered the coffin into a tight triangle and passed it to a  Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented it to Emma on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of SFC Bell.






SFC Rhuben R. Bell was then laid to rest on the wind swept plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, three sons and their wives, two daughters and their husbands, a sister, 13 grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information and to Chisolm's  Family Funeral Home in Killeen and to Ceej Foy for photographs.