CUSTER — Billy Eugene “Bill” Bell was born August 2, 1954, in Wessington Springs to Billy and Josephine (Kearton) Bell. He married Debra Grieve November 13, 1981. They moved to Custer in 1983. They had three children – Shawn Bell (Newcastle, Wyo.), Travis Bell (Custer), and Manda (Bryan) Buck (Woonsocket). 
Bill was employed for many years at Linde Sawmill as the head sawyer. After Linde’s closed, he went to work for Sander Sanitation Service, Inc. as a mechanic. His greatest passion during his life was fighting fire. He joined the Custer Volunteer Fire Department in 1988. He truly enjoyed working with the community and with his fellow firefighters throughout his 31 years in the fire service. In state or out of state, wherever he was needed, he was there. In March of 2012, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He fought a long, hard battle and thought he had kicked it, but in January of this year it flared up again with a vengeance.  “Like a Wildfire in on a windy day”, he lost his battle on March 18, 2019.
He is survived by his wife, Deb of 37 years; his children, Shawn, Travis and Manda; sister, Linda (Maxon) Conkey of St Lawrence; brother, Keith (Trina) Bell of Huron; eight grandchildren, Zachary, Noah, Brookelynn, Tieghan, Paislei, Kaydn, Michael and Alaina; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randy; aunts and uncles;  one niece, and one nephew.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held May 11, at the VFW from noon to 4 p.m.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.
Visit www.chamberlainmccolleys.com
Paid Obituary