Winfred Ray Bell, Jr., 64, of Coffeyville passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021 surrounded by his family after complications from a lengthy battle with Cushing’s Disease.
Ray was born on July 21, 1956 in Joplin, Missouri to Winfred Ray, Sr. and Patsy Pauline (Gibson) Bell. His family lived in Galena, Kansas until 1959 when they moved to Coffeyville. Ray grew up and attended school in Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley High School and later McFarland Trade School.
On September 11, 1976 he was united in marriage to his wife of 43 years, Janice Weber, at Sacred Heart Church in Fredonia, Kansas. Following their marriage, Ray and Janice made their home in Coffeyville where they raised their daughters, Stephanie and Stacy.
Ray enjoyed many different jobs over the years, beginning at George’s Cafeteria where he and Janice first met, then Halliburton. Later he was employed for a short time at Funk Manufacturing, then Brown’s Furniture and later worked in sales for Millbrook/McKesson where he traveled and made many friends throughout the area. He worked for a time at SEK-TAM and finally at Spear’s Manufacturing in Caney.
He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, and Knights of Columbus Council #991. When Ray was younger he enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing on his wife’s family farm, and involved his daughters in these activities. Ray always loved having people around, and was certain to make sure that everyone was well fed as he loved grilling and cooking. He was an avid history enthusiast, specifically regarding the Kennedy family and local history. Mostly though, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Patsy & Winfred Ray Bell, Sr. Survivors include his wife, Janice of the home; daughters, Stephanie Gilfillan and husband, Steve of Coffeyville; and Stacy Stapleton and husband, Heath of Caney; grandchildren, Brayden, Kaden, and Carsen Gilfillan, Drake, Libby, Kaine and Ridge Stapleton; brother, Randy Bell and wife, Kathy of Afton, OK; niece and her family, Melissa Compston and husband, Jake and children, Nolan and Ian.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Daniel Lorimer officiating. Inurnment will take place in Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville.
The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 12th at Holy Name Catholic Church.
The family will greet friends and family Monday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. following the Rosary at the church. Friends may also call on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
The family suggests memorials to Holy Name Catholic School or Harry Hynes Memorial Hopsice; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com
David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.
