Robert Thomas Bell

Robert "Bob" Thomas Bell

Robert "Bob" Thomas Bell was born on November 24, 1949, in Olympia, Washington, to Thomas and Marion Bell. At a young age, his family moved to Rangely, Colorado, where he would eventually make his lifelong home and leave a lasting imprint on the community he loved.

Bob's childhood was filled with the things he loved most: the outdoors, hunting, rock hounding, metal detecting, gold mining, and exploring. He was a true outdoorsman and a passionate history enthusiast. His love for the land, history, and the stories of those who came before him remained a part of who he was throughout his life.

Bob graduated from Rangely High School in 1968 and went on to join the United States Army. He spent a year serving in Germany. When he returned home, he reconnected with his longtime friend and neighbor, Gaila Hatch. The two were married in a small military wedding before Bob was sent to Vietnam in 1970, where he served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, known as the "Black Horse."

After approximately 11 months of fighting, Bob was wounded and returned home. He and Gaila moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where they began their family. They welcomed their son, Jerramie Robert Bell, before eventually returning to Rangely. On June 10, 1971, Bob and Gaila renewed their vows in Denver, Colorado.

Bob began his career as a welder, joining his father in the trade. He became a highly respected and well-known welder throughout the Rangely community. He spent many years with Colorado Well Services before transferring to Striegel, where he continued to grow his craft and establish himself in the welding industry. His career eventually led him to Chevron and later CVX, where he finished his working years with the support of his nephew, Shane Key.

Welding was not simply Bob's career-it became part of who he was. He took pride in his work, his ability to build and repair things, and in passing those skills and values on to the people around him.

Bob's greatest pride, however, was his family.

His son, Jerramie, and daughter-in-law, Shae, blessed him and Gaila with two grandchildren, Kelby and Courtney. After the loss of his son, Bob became more than a grandfather to his grandchildren. He stepped into a place of love, guidance, strength, and family that could never be replaced.

He spent countless hours outdoors with his son, nephews, grandchildren, and the many people who walked through his door and eventually became family. Bob had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for. He loved to cook, and one of the ways he showed his love was by feeding and serving the people he cared about.

Tall, quiet, and gentle, Bob earned the nickname "The Gentle Giant." Those who knew him understood that behind his quiet nature was a man with a huge heart and a deep love for his family, friends, country, history, and the outdoors.

Bob was incredibly proud of his military service and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.

Robert "Bob" Thomas Bell passed away on September 17, 2026, in his hometown of Rangely, Colorado, surrounded by the people who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Marion Bell; his son, Jerramie Robert Bell; his seven angel children; and his brother, Doug Bell.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Gaila Bell; his daughter-in-law, Shae Bell; his grandchildren, Kelby (Xanne) Bell and Courtney (Jessy) Powell; and his great-grandchildren, Courtland, Amari, Indica, and Kaiden, his sister; Mary Stalcup and her two daughters Amy Stalcup and Thressa Bass and families.

He is also survived by his bonus daughter of the heart, Ruby Graf, and her family; his nephews, Ed Miller and family and Shane Key and family, Clayton Key and family and Corey Holman. Nieces Teresa Nelson and family and Diana Holman the many friends, neighbors, and loved ones who became family throughout his life.

Bob's life was one of service, family, hard work, adventure, and love. He left his mark not only through the things he built with his hands, but through the lives he touched, the stories he shared, the meals he cooked, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.

Rangely was not simply where Bob lived-it was home. His roots ran deep, and his legacy will remain in the people he loved, the family he helped shape, and the community that knew him as a friend, a veteran, a welder, an outdoorsman,and a grandfather.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Graveside Services for Robert will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00am at Rangely Cemetery (2252 East Main Street, Rangely, Colorado) with Military Honors. Celebration of Life and Dinner will be immediately after at (416 East Main Street, Old Ace Hi Building).