Eldrige Bell, 84 of Salina, passed away, Saturday, May 21, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Eldrige was born July 15, 1937, in Byhalia, Mississippi, to Frances Bell and was raised by his loving grandmother, Meda Richmond Bell, and grandfather, Levi Bell.

Eldrige served honorably in the United States Army as a Food Service Specialist from 1961-1991. He deployed into combat twice, early in his career to Vietnam and later in his career to the Middle East. The Army also offered him opportunities to serve in Colorado and Alaska as well as overseas in Germany and Korea. He retired after 30 years of service as a Sergeant Major with the United States Army Garrison Command, Big Red One, in Fort Riley, Kansas.

Known as “Dad” to many, retirement allowed Eldrige to spend more time with family. He loved cooking and at any family event you could expect his mouth-watering tender roast beef, tasty greens, and scrumptious spaghetti. Eldrige also loved capturing special moments by videoing family events such as birthdays, family reunions and weddings, as well as sporting events such as football, baseball, and wrestling.

His foresight has provided priceless memories that will be treasured for generations.

He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother; Frances Bell; his grandparents; Meda Richmond Bell and Levi Bell, and brothers; Nathaniel Reed, Levi Reed, and Can Thanh Duong.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years; Thanh Thuy (Duong) Bell, children; Patricia (Patrick) Barrentine, Julia Bell, Teresa Bell, Eldrige (Songme) Bell, Jr. II., 11 grandchildren; Camron, Michael Jr. II, Nicholas, Princeton, Jayden, Jordan, Ariana, Samantha, Amaya, Jayda, and Emma, 2 great-grandchildren; Roman and Zachariah; 6 brothers; Robert (Robessie) Reed, Joseph (Mary) Reed, James (Joyce) Reed, Van Thanh Duong, Liem Thanh (Bich) Duong, and Michael Duong, as well as 8 sisters; Alfreda Deberrry, Dinah Terry, Leola Jefferson, Thanh Son Duong, Phuong (Ben) Martinez, Ha (Richard) Korbe, Jennifer (Richard) Duong, and Thanh-Tam T. (Shannon) Duong.

Visitation is scheduled, with the family present on Friday, May 27, 2022, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 East Crawford, Salina.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 E. Crawford, Salina. Burial will be held immediately following the funeral service at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to V.F.W. Post 1432, American Legion Riders Post 62, and the Salina Animal Shelter in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.