Leonard Bell Jr.

Leonard Bell Jr., 83, of Piggott died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, Mo.

He was born June 29, 1925, in Rector and was the son of the late Leonard and Fay (Mobley) Bell.

He was recruited into the U.S. Army on Sept. 19, 1943, and had the distinction of serving in three of the country's major conflicts, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the military in November 1970 as a Command Sergeant Major.

In January 1971 he was hired as the Piggott Police Chief and he held that position until January 1983. He later served as the police chief in Corning from May 1983 to November 1984.

He was married April 6, 1947, to Elizabeth "Bettie" Williams and the couple had three children. His daughter, Belinda Jean Bell, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughter, Sheila Faticoni and husband John of Virginia Beach, Va.; two grandchildren, Kinder Elizabeth Pulling and Megan Leigh Bell; two great-grandchildren, Connor William Pulling and Carly Marie Pulling; two brothers, Kenneth Gene Bell of San Mateo, Calif., and James McGuire Bell of Fresno, Calif., along with many other relatives and friends.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Mission of Piggott.

Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of arrangements.