Otis
Lester Harold Bell, 77, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sept. 22, 2021. He was born Feb. 29, 1944, in Ellsworth, the son of Edward Hayward and Mathel (Dority) Bell. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1962 and earned a two-year automotive tech degree from Southern ME Tech in 1964. He owned and operated L.H. Bell Trucking for 27 years and continued to drive a truck until his retirement in 2020. He was most at home behind the wheel of a Mack truck.
Lester enjoyed bluegrass music, especially a good banjo player. Some of his favorite things included being outside in the woods, hauling logs and hearing the whistle of a steam-powered train.
Lester is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith (Tate) Bell; his daughter Lisa (Bell) Carter and husband, Chuck Carter, daughter Suzanne Bell and son Damon Bell and wife, Amy Bell; granddaughters, Hailee Carter, Carli Carter, Grace Gumpp, Jenna (Bell) Jordan and Jadyn Bell; his sister Ilene Moore and many more special family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and granddaughter, Emily Gumpp.
A heartfelt thank you to his niece, Ann Austin, and the additional members of the Mariaville Volunteer Fire Department and a special thanks to the caring staff at Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer and Northern Light Home Care and Hospice.
The family invites those who wish to pay their respects to a celebration of life at the Mariaville Grange Hall on Oct. 9, 2021, from 2-5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mariaville Volunteer Fire Department, Attn: Karen Murphy, 148 Olive Carr Road, Otis, ME 04605.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.