Blake Edward Bell

Blake Edward Bell was born on January 12, 1951 in Murray, UT to Paul Linton and Dorene Smith Linton. He had two older sisters with whom he developed a love of impish practical jokes and his most loved quality – his sense of humor. He was blessed with a strong mother, who, despite having a difficult life, did her best to provide as much exposure to culture and good literature as she could. He was not blessed with very stable men in his life having two stepfathers. He and his family lived in Grantsville, UT where he got to experience ranching, a field he may not have ever enjoyed, but one that provided material for many stories that his children loved to hear. He graduated from Grantsville High School in 1969.

The most pivotal event in Blake’s life was when he chose to relocate to Saint George, UT in order to attend Dixie College (now Utah Tech University). Blake was involved in the theater department where he had roles as the Cowardly Lion in “Wizard of OZ”, and as Fagan in “Oliver!”. Two of his most beloved solos are from those plays. Most importantly, he became a member of a legendary choir called Program Bureau. This choir is not legendary by way of talent, they often allowed Blake to be a soloist even though no one would have ever described Blake as a beautiful singer (or even a singer who sang on key). This choir was legendary for the confidence it gave to young men like Blake, and the lasting friendships it developed. For 30-50 years Blake and Faye returned bi-annually to the rejuvenating springs of Program Bureau reunions. His children would join them and watch their sometimes-cranky parents their true joyful youth.

It was at Dixie College where Blake received the greatest blessing his Heavenly Father would provide in this life; he met Faye Baxter Bell. Faye fell in love with his jocular and mischievous personality, and the fact that she fell in love him was the greatest tender mercy he received from his Heavenly Father. Faye was especially devoted to their family and their marriage. With her as a companion who loved him unconditionally, he overcame all that he lacked to become a wonderful dad of three children who have grown to become educators and an accountant. From his children, he was blessed to have nine grandchildren who will achieve successes yet unknown. Blake finished his BS in Political Science at the University of Utah

Blake’s most successful career was in the US Army Reserves and National Guard. He served more than 20 years and achieved the rank of Major before an injury led to years of chronic pain and disability. He served in Desert Storm with the 328th General Hospital in Frankfurt Germany where they anticipated treating heavy casualties and were blessed to end up receiving almost none. His wife and family were always proud of his long military service throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. His other career was working with mentally ill patients at the University of Utah Hospital. His sense of humor and playful nature allowed him to connect with patients in the way they needed to feel connected. If a psych patient mistakenly though he was Christ, he was flexible enough to make the sign of the cross and say, “go thy way and sin no more”.

Blake is survived by his wife of 53 years Faye, his sons Scott (Monica) and Phillip (Amelia), and his daughter Julia (Loren) Mott. He is also survived by four siblings. Wendy (Frank) Castro, Neil (Sheri) Bell, James Bell, and Leighann Maynard. He is preceded in death by his many parents and loved ones. First, by his mother (Dorene Bell) his father (Paul Linton) and his stepfather (Milton Bell), and then by the parents who adopted him as their own; his mother and father-in-law Keith and Molly Baxter, and his PB mother Roene DiFiore. He was also preceded in death by his sister Kayleen Brewer. Beyond that, there are many of his adopted PB brothers and sisters who have preceded him.

There will be a viewing from 6pm to 8pm, Larkin Mortuary 260 E South Temple, SLC, UT on Sunday, May 11th. There will be a viewing one hour before the funeral service at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meetinghouse at 1847 West 2180 South, Woods Cross, UT on Monday, May 12th, and he will be buried at Wellsville City Cemetery after the funeral service.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_UMJu6uip_WduDBthAUvI6mPfrvqoefRfEE5X0holPxzwYWlJ9SX5XhaBn3M9Us.yEgRvbAl_l1PDyt3?startTime=1747067830000