Philip Vernon Bell was born October 3, 1942 in Yakima, Washington to Vernon Herrmann and Esther Anderson Bell. On April 28, 2022, Phil peacefully passed away surrounded by family into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Phil started his school days at the Wide Hollow School in Yakima. The family moved from the Cottonwood Canyon to Prosser in 1954. Phil made many, many lifelong friends during his childhood, graduating from Prosser High School in 1961. He planned many a class reunion with his dear classmates.
On December 21, 1963 he married his high-school sweetheart Karen Ann Davis, the love of his life. They have a wonderful life raising their four children in their beloved hometown of Prosser.
Phil's work ethic was unmatched. He worked at Seneca Foods, Bayne Farms & for Monte Schaffer on Horse Heaven Hills dry land wheat ranches. He had a deep, deep appreciation for the land, seasons, and the wide-open vistas. After twenty years with Columbia Crest Wine Estates, Phil retired as champagne bottling line supervisor. Phil made and sustained lifelong friendships with his co-workers throughout his career. In retirement, Phil worked part time for many a Horse Heaven Hills wheat ranch families; to include the Berg Farms, Jeff and Jan Blair, Keith Burkhart, Scott Christen, Chuck Mercer and others that he admired, enjoying his time tilling the soil.
Many travels were so enjoyed around the United States with Karen, family and friends. Seaside, Oregon as a favorite and cherished location along the coast. Phil loved walking the promenade, enjoying the view over the ocean horizon, and watching the waves crash upon the sandy shore. Other travel included the San Juan Islands, Rhode Island, Boston, Nashville, Maine, Mt Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Alaska, Hawaii, Palm Springs and beyond. Foreign travels: Baltic Sea cruise that included many Scandinavian countries, Panama Canal, Aruba, Costa Rica and train trip to Canada. Phil felt blessed with travels and absolutely loved a good road trip. He loved spending every minute with his wonderful wife, children and ten grandchildren.
Phil treasured his Pinochle card club friends with over fifty years of adventures. Phil enjoyed early morning time with coffee klatch friends, reading, feeding birds and so appreciated all the songbirds. Phil enjoyed being active, which started in his youth and included riding his bicycle from Prosser to Yakima to visit his Grandparents, many years delivering papers before school, and working afterschool at the Prosser paper. He enjoyed physical fitness which included hiking Lincoln Grade, weightlifting at local fitness centers, and working in his yard.
Phil was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church since April 1960 serving as Sunday school teacher, Usher, helping with pancake suppers, and delivering holiday gift boxes.
Phil loved people, never met a stranger, and donated blood platelets regularly over his life. He enjoyed delivering "Meals On Wheels" for 13 years. Many a community service project, volunteering at Princess Theatre, Benton County Historical Museum and Art Wine Walk to name a few. Phil received the 2022 " Pay It Forward" award from Prosser Chamber of Commerce.
Phil is survived by his wife of 58 years Karen Davis Bell, his cherished children
Leanne K. Evenson (Scott), Lanae Kathleen Mackner, Brycen Philip Bell (Tracey), Bryan Justin Bell (Kari). His brother William "Billy" Bell (Gloria), sister Audrey McGaughy (Denny) and his 100-year-old Auntie Lois, sisters-in-law Linda Kay Davis McCarty (Jim) and Julie Ann Davis Ferguson (Jeriel). Brothers-in-law Mark Lee Davis (Anita), Glen Thomas Davis and Mike Johnson, many beloved friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Survived by ten precious grandchildren, Tevin Curtis Claybrooks, Briston Ray Stone, Ethan Brycen Bell, Danielle Lea Evenson, Justin Davis Bell, Kaitlin Piper Bell, Emma Lea Bell, Haley Paige Bell, Case William Bell, Kristen Paisley Bell and lifelong friend Frank Berg. Papa was so, so loved!
Preceded in death by his caring parents, younger brother Timothy John Bell, grandparents John and Clara Herrmann Bell, Grandpa Oscar Valentine Anderson. Parent-in-laws Patricia & W.L. Davis, Sister-in-law Dixie Lea Johnson. Brother-in-laws Douglas Allen Davis, Larry Lewis Davis, Dennis Ross Davis and numerous sweet Uncles and Aunts.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Prosser.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Ministries Covenant Presbyterian Church, 912 Yakima Avenue, Prosser, WA 99350.
You may leave a message for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com