Donnie R. Marshall-Bell

Donnie R. Marshall-Bell

Donnie R. “Tiny” Marshall-Bell a resident of Winnemuca passed peacefully on March 30, 2016 at the Veterans Hospital in Reno after a long illness. He was born Dec. 1, 1941 in Burkburnette, Texas. Donnie received an Honors Escort from the hospital after he passed away. The American flag was draped over his gurney and all of the veteran’s saluted him as he was moved down the hallway. It was a beautiful and moving ceremony.

Donnie was raised in Texas, and attended school in Japan while his father, Artie Bell, was stationed there. He attended Mineral County High School and Western Nevada Community College after moving to Nevada.

Donnie served his country as a Sgt. First Class in the US Army, chief of ground surveillance section in the National Guard and the US Navy SeaBees. He was active in the Church of Christ, and served his community working for the fire department, and the Department of Corrections. He was a lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol for many years as well.

Donnie dedicated his life to serving others. He and his first wife, Glenda Palmer, opened their house to many foster children while raising their family in Hawthorne, where Donnie was employed at the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Plant. Donnie was president of Union Chapter 1630 and was deeply involved in the contract disputes at the base.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Bell; his daughters: Donnie Lynn Shrum and Dodie M. Bell and his son, Charles R. Bell. He has five grandchildren, Tylor V. Bell; Kristian L. Bell; Emily Kay Shrum; Jakob R. Bell and Jessie N. Bell. His first wife, Glenda Palmer, still lives in Hawthorne.

He was a wonderful father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

A potluck memorial is planned for April 9 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Battle Mountain. The church is located at 477 Reese St.

In lieu of flowers please donate to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356NM-236, Portales, NM 88130, or New Mexico Christian Children’s Home.org.