Sheridan native William F. "Bill" Bell, 73, of Galveston, Texas, died Aug. 31, 2006, at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston of cancer.

A Vigil Service followed by a Rosary was 7 p.m. Sept. 1 in the Memorial Room of Broadway Funeral Home in Galveston.

Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m. Sept. 2 at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Galveston with the Rev. William Bartniski as Celebrant.

Entombment was in the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery in Galveston.

Mr. Bell was born March 4, 1933, in Sheridan to Fred and Eveline Bell.

He was a 1951 graduate of Sheridan High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict.

He married Bianca Chapa in Galveston in 1957. The family lived in Sheridan for a time after his marriage, and he worked for Turner and Bell Masonry.

The family moved to Galveston in 1961, and Mr. Bell continued working as a mason and bricklayer until he retired. He enjoyed woodcarving, especially carving miniature and full-sized carousel horses. He enjoyed dancing and traveling.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rita Bell Warner; and four brothers, David, Charles, Maron and Leonard.

Survivors include his wife, of Galveston; two sons, Mike and Pat, both of Texas; a sister, Virginia Knight of Bridger, Mont.; and six grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church Youth Ministry, 1804 69th St., Galveston, TX 77551 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 129, Texas City, TX 77592-0129.

The Sheridan Press - September 15, 2006