A memorial service with full military honors honoring the life of SFC (Retired) Bernard David "Jeff" Bell will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, at Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplain Julius Williams officiating.

The service may be viewed by following the livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

Burial will follow in Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma.

Sergeant First Class Bernard David "Jeff" Bell, Retired, 89, of Lawton, Oklahoma, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 25, 2026. He was born in Flint, Michigan, on August 18, 1937, to Emily Lehman and Joseph Mack. He was later adopted by Rowena Hall of New York and Frederick Bell, who instilled in him a deep love and respect for the military.

Jeff attended Saint John's Boys School in New York, where his natural love for dancing was recognized by a professional dancer who generously provided him with free dance lessons. His love for music, dancing, and enjoying life remained with him throughout the years.

At the age of 13, Jeff traveled alone by bus to meet his mother in California. Along the journey, he befriended a group of soldiers who took him under their wing and made sure he enjoyed the trip. As they shared stories of their experiences in the Army, Jeff became even more inspired to one day serve his country.

In 1954, at the age of 17, Jeff enlisted in the United States Army. Over the course of his military career, he traveled extensively and steadily rose through the ranks. At age 20, he married a soldier's daughter, and together they welcomed three children: Debra, Devrick, and Rhonda, who became the light and love of his life. That marriage later ended in divorce.

While stationed in Germany in 1965, Jeff met Lettie Marie Hanson. The two married in 1967 and began a life together filled with love, family, faith, and adventure. Their union brought two sons, Bradley and Dustin, who added even more joy to Jeff's life.

Jeff honorably served his country for 20 years, including one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, before retiring from the Army as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. His distinguished military career was marked by numerous awards and honors,

including multiple Army Commendation Medals, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara, just to name a few.

Jeff was deeply proud of his military service and enjoyed sharing the lessons and experiences he gained throughout his career. At Fort Sill, he also had the opportunity to teach leadership skills to new recruits, leaving an impact on the soldiers who followed him.

Following his military career, Jeff continued his entrepreneurial spirit as a business owner. He founded Jeff's Upholstery and later renamed the business Design in Fabric as he and Lettie expanded their work together.

Outside of his career, Jeff had many passions. He loved reading his Bible, historical fiction, autobiographies, and military history. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, attending his children's activities, playing cards with family and friends, listening to music, and dancing with his wife. He also loved to dress well. To his children, there was one word that always described their dad: "Dapper."

Jeff especially enjoyed sharing stories of his military journeys with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and anyone else willing to listen. His stories, experiences, humor, and wisdom became a treasured part of his legacy.

In 1977, Jeff accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Central Baptist Church of Lawton. He faithfully served and enjoyed fellowship with his church family. Later, in Michigan, Jeff and Lettie continued their service to God and their church family by teaching Sunday School at their home church, Harvest Christian Church of Michigan.

Jeff was an entrepreneur, hardworking, dedicated, and one of a kind. He was an original with a joyful personality and a true gentleman who was considerate of others. He lived a life marked by faith, service, family, perseverance, and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law and best friend, Lonnie Hanson; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Boyd Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life, his wife, Lettie; sister Paula Jackson; sister-in-law Diana Hanson (Lonnie) ; sister-in-law Darlyn Robinson Boyd (Ernest); his five children, Debra (Ron), Devrick, Rhonda, Bradley, and Dustin; seven grandchildren, Omar Bell, Meka Bell, Kailin Bell-Carlton, Derica Bell, Elijah Bell, Jadyn Bell, and Julieonna Bell; six great-grandchildren, Brandon Marks, Thiago Sousa-Smith, Kalani Sousa-Smith, Apollo Bell, Maverick-Bell Smith, and Coby Carlton; two great-great-grandchildren, Mathias Marks-Chirinos and Adonai Marks; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and the many dear people whose lives he touched.

Jeff leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, military service, hard work, joy, and love. His stories will continue to be told, his lessons will continue to be shared, and his memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jeff will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family of SFC (Ret.) Bernard David "Jeff" Bell would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has kept us in your prayers and shown us love, kindness, and concern during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, support, and expressions of sympathy have meant so much to our family and are deeply appreciated.