Donald L. Bell's Obituary
Donald Leland Bell was born on November 27, 1947 at Mount Vernon, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, he was adopted by his Mother, Mary Mergeline (Sigman) and Father, Donald Clifford Bell of Mount Vernon. They moved to Alliance, where he lived for the rest of his life. Don was an only child, but he never lacked for playmates once he moved to West Main Street where he and his mother lived with his grandmother, Mary Alice Sigman.
Don graduated from Alliance High School in 1966. He played football as a center and loved the game. He soon discovered his talents lay in other areas. He became the manager and was the Student Spirit Leader who arranged buses for the students to go to the away games. He was probably one of the greatest Aviator fans of all times.
Don married Linda G. Randolph September 12,1969, at East Rochester United Methodist Church where her father served as pastor. Don was a wonderful grandson, son, husband and five years later, father. He and Linda had two fantastic sons, Donald Scott and Daniel Leland.
Two of his cousins, Marilyn and Helen Bower, were raised with him and they were as close as sisters. They both died in the fall of 2020. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father in 1985 and his grandmother in 1979.
Don worked at Alliance Machine for 21 years as a machine operator. He was also Union President and loved negotiations for contracts and defending fellow union members. After they closed, he immediately found work at Alliance City Schools; first, as a substitute handicapped aide and a substitute custodian and was then hired as a full time custodian. He had an excellent work ethic and became Head Custodian. He was sorely missed when he retired after 32 years.
When he started working at Alliance High School, he would take both of his sons and wife to all of the Aviator football and basketball games home and away. He loved sports of all kinds, including colleges; University of Mount Union and The Ohio State University, and all Cleveland professional sports. If there were sports on TV that's where you would find Don.
Don was an active member of the Alliance Lions Club and was President three times.
Don was at least a 60 year member of Union Avenue United Methodist Church. He also played on the church softball league. Right after marriage to Linda, they became youth advisors for UAUMC Youth Group for four years. It was an eclectic group of all denominations and were mostly from the same class in Alliance High. Don was class advisor for several classes in Alliance High. He loved working with young people and always encouraged them to do their best. When Don was just out of high school; he coached G League of Hot Stove League Baseball.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.
His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at Union Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rebecca Weamer, officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Park.
You are invited to view Donald's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.
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