Dr. Clifton R. Bell

Dr. Clifton R. Bell passed away March 27, 2007, at his Farmington Presbyterian Manor residence at the age of 96 years, 10 months & 5 days. Cliff was born May 22, 1910, in Fredericktown, MO., & was the son of Henry & Nancy 'Stanfield' Bell. Also preceding were 2 Sisters: Beatrice Bell & Helen Feltz.

Cliff was: * a graduate, Flat River High School & Jr. College (1927-29); * obtained BS in Education (1934) from SE Mo. State w/Majors in History in English; * obtained MA from Univ. of Missouri (1937) majoring in Secondary School Administration; * did graduate work @ Univ. of Colorado & Univ. of Minnesota (1949-50); * obtained his Doctorate from Washington Univ. (1956), majoring in Education Administration; * Teacher at Marquand, MO., Elementary & High School (1931-1937); * Centerville, MO., Superintendent of Schools (1937-1942); (note: @ Centerville, he became the YOUNGEST Superintendent of Schools in the history of the state of Missouri when he accepted that position). * Farmington, MO., Superintendent of Schools (1946-58); * Galesburg, IL., Superintendent of Schools (1958-64); * Professor of Education @ NE Mo. State Univ. (1964-1976); * Special Representative, US Civil Service Commission, 1942 at the St. Louis Regional Office; * US Navy Veteran serving 1942-46, attending Cornell University at Ithaca and Harvard University. He was stationed at Key West, FL., & later served in Panama. Clifton stayed in the Reserves for over 20 years and retired as Commander. * former member, Missouri State Wide Curriculum Committee; * member, Governor's Commission of Handicapped Children; * member, Resolutions & Programs Committee of Illinois Assoc. of School Administrators; * Past-President, SE Mo. State Teachers Assoc.; * Chairman, Mo. Assoc. of Professors of Education Administration (1971); * member, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappa & Mo. Assoc. School Administration; * member, State Legislative Committee, AARP; * board member, Farmington Public Library; * Chairman, Financial Campaign of Memorial United Methodist Church; * former Farmington Chamber of Commerce Board member; * District Coordinator, National Retired Teacher's Assoc.; * adjunct Professor of Washington Univ.; * Chairman, Facilities Library & Special Merit Award; * Past-President, Farmington Kiwanis Club; * Farmington Chamber of Commerce recipient, Lifetime Achievement Award (1994).

Under Dr. Bell's guidance, the Farmington School District Board of Education and staff members implemented some of the following changes & improvements: Triple AAA Status; established the first P.T.A., Secretary in the North Central Association; established the first Vocational Department; established the first Technical School in the county; established a National Honor Society; organized the first High School Band; saw to the construction of a new elementary school and high school buildings, and began the first counselor program. Dr. & Mrs. Bell were both active supporters in the building projects for the Farmington Public Library and the Civic Center.

Survivors Include: his wife, Alma Bell, of Farmington (who he met while teaching school at Marquand) & daughter, Judith V. Bell, of Colorado.

Acquaintances of Dr. Bell know of his great story telling talent(s) & his love of poetry.

Visitation : Friday, 5-8 p.m., @ TAYLOR Funeral Service. Visitation resumes, Saturday, 7:00 a.m.

Funeral: Saturday, 11:00 a.m., March 31, 2007

at: TAYLOR Funeral Service CHAPEL, with Rev. Jim Norris officiating.

Interment with full military honors following at Hillview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Farmington.

Memorials to: * Truman State University Foundation, for: The Clifton R. Bell Scholarship Fund. (note: make your checks payable to Truman State & deliver to -or- mail to: Taylor Funeral Service - PO Box 12 - Farmington, MO. 63640-0012). We will then acknowledge all gifts to the family; advise Truman State of the donors & forward all monies to Truman State.