Born June 8, 1960
Entered Heaven’s Gate on April 16, 2022.
Richard was born to Luther Doyle Bell and Wanda Eloise (Cannady) Bell in Hutchinson.
Richard attended Grandview School and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1979.
While in High School, he was involved in and enjoyed Deca, while also being involved in Sing out Reno County, and Sky riders. In his after high school years, he worked for Dillons in Great Bend, and was also a disc jockey at weddings and other celebrations. Rick loved to brag about his designing skills and displays he would create while working at Dillons. Rick also was involved in racecar driving, and would race on Friday and Saturday nights at Fun Valley/Hutchinson Raceway Park. While racing, he did receive many trophies. Oh, the videos I had to watch, over and over, and over. Rick loved bowling and RC cars and even opened his own RC track in Hutchinson, Hutchinson High Banks, for all to enjoy while hosting racing events each weekend. Rick traveled to many places to race those little cars. He was very competitive. While doing all of these things, he also had a concession trailer that he enjoyed. It was here that Rick created the famous Tornado Burger. He had a special recipe that everyone loved and would come out just to eat. If you did not get a Tornado Burger, you may have missed out on the best Sloppy Joe in the country. Oh, how Rick loved to cook and create his own “special” recipe, creating many hot, spicy dishes enjoyed by all.
Rick was very active in playing softball for many years and on any given weekend, he would be out there playing. Rick was an avid fisherman and on the nice days he could be found at Cheney catching the fish. Even when very ill, he was able to get the boat and grab a friend to take and enjoy a long day of fishing. If Rick wasn’t talking about fishing, or eating fish, he was fishing. There were very few other topics.
Rick opened his own appliance business, Bell’s Appliance that he had for over 35 years. During this adventure, he made many friends and left his footprints on the heart of many. There wasn’t much that Rick could not fix. He loved finding a problem and getting it fixed.
Rick did not know a stranger and enjoyed a very full social life with many friends, family, and acquaintances.
Rick attended the Eastwood Church of Christ and was a very active member until becoming quite ill in recent past. Rick adored his church family and often had many of them over for cards each weekend and even during the week when he was no longer able to go to the Friday night card event that he hosted.
In 1984 Rick married Janet and they had 2 children together, making a family of 6 as Ryan and Mandi joined Jason and Aaron.
In 2007 Rick married Candy and 2 more children were also added to the family. James and Amber.
Rick enjoyed life to the fullest and did not let any grass grow under his feet.
Rick leaves behind many that loved him including his wife, Candy; Brother, Terry Bell (Annette) Hutchinson; son, Ryan Bell, Hutchinson; daughter, Mandi Bell, Wichita; one granddaughter, Kynzi; 4 stepchildren, Aaron Matteson, and Jason Matteson (Alyssa) of Fort Collins, Colorado; James Manges (Ashley), and Amber Allbright, Hutchinson; 5 Step grandchildren, Kade, Charlie, Payton, Jaclyn, and Gabbi, and ex-wife and friend, Janet Bell. Rick also leaves his beloved Aunt, Diane Bell, of Wichita; many nieces, nephews and cousins, and beloved dog, Chance; and many close friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents; and his much loved, Uncle David Bell; as well as numerous aunts and uncles; and cousins, Kenny Bell and Scott Graham.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Eastwood Church of Christ, with Wayne DeWindt and Steve Sears presiding. Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday 1-8 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., with family to receive friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. A small meal will be at Eastwood Church of Christ immediately following the funeral service for those that would like to attend.
Rick enjoyed Nascar racing shirts, fishing shirts, team shirts (Kansas City Chiefs), but he also liked a fancy dress up occasion on Sundays. Please feel free to dress casual or fancy. He would have wanted everyone comfortable in what they like best.