Lawrence Bell

On July 8, 2025, Lawrence (Larry) Lamont Bell passed quietly to the other side. We almost lost him just over a year ago, but he rallied miraculously, knowing that the Lord still had work for him to do. We were the delighted recipients of that extra time; each family member and friend having the opportunity to spend special time with him and make cherished memories.

Many knew him as Colonel Lawrence Bell, a courageous war veteran who was a B-52 navigator in Vietnam—a man with a commanding presence and a 30-year legacy of service. Some knew him as Larry, the tour guide who always knew how to navigate the off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Italy, France, and Morocco and could craft the most amazing Yellowstone itinerary.

He was a man who navigated through life with a clear sense of purpose, always charting his own course no matter the obstacles in his way. He was the man who made us laugh with his quick wit, whose endless curiosity and love for exploring the world inspired everyone around him—and who loved helping others discover hidden gems, too. He even had a giant map on his wall, filled with pins marking every place he and Peggy, his late wife and love of his life, had visited, each one a testament to his adventurous spirit. His curiosity and thirst for learning also inspired him to earn many degrees—two Bachelor’s Degrees and two Master’s Degrees from the University of Utah, as well as Doctoral studies at George Washington University. We are still finding documents to suggest he may have had many more.

His determination led him to run after a gorgeous blonde who had left her sunglasses on a store counter to ask her out—and eventually, to become his eternal partner. Together, they created a home full of love and laughter for their family over many continents.

Peggy, his late wife and love of his life, once likened him to a dignified ship’s captain. And many others would say he reminded them of a sea captain as well. This was not just a reflection of his gorgeous, full head of white hair and meticulously trimmed beard, but it was in the distinguished and confident way that he carried himself. It was in the way he navigated his life, his Air Force career, his diplomatic service, his post-military adventures, and his move back to Florida—a promise made to Peggy. It was in his goal to drive the perimeter of the United States after her passing, to “see the land he had defended for so many years.” It was in how he would embark on this, his last earthly adventure—full of energy, joy, and life, to the very end. It was in the way that he forged a path of faith, love, devotion, and service for his family to follow.

Those close to Larry knew him as a history buff who would participate in a healthy discussion about current events and who would never pass up a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. He was a man who would get teary-eyed watching a heartwarming movie or listening to a song that pulled at his heartstrings.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his wife Marguerite (Peggy) McCool, his father, Orden Bell, and his mother, Doris Bell. Left to honor Larry and to carry on his legacy of love are children Sherri Simons, Dana Bell, Tamara Aglaure, Shannon Martin, Heather Moore, and Erin Rice; along with 26 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and sister Valeen Crawford.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 am at the LDS Meeting House at 5450 Holladay Blvd, Holladay, UT. The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery.