Chester H. Bell, 89, passed away May 1, 2022, at Manatee Memorial Hospital.
He was born October 23, 1932, to Aaron Parx and Jessie (Fulford) Bell in Cortez, Florida.
Chester graduated from Manatee County High School in 1950, and began his life-long career in commercial fishing in Cortez, interrupted by two years of service in the U.S. Army. Afterward, he attended the University of Florida, but soon was called home to work at his family’s A.P Bell Fish Company. He later became a partner in the Capo Fish Company.
In 1957, Chester married Ellen Hay Bell. They had three children, Warren Aaron, II, Louise Bell Shuman and Brooks Jesse. Chester is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Warren, Walter, Jesse (Buster) and Calvin; his only sister, Betty Alice; his daughter, Louise Shuman and his grandson, Jared.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Ellen; his brother, Doug Bell; his nieces, Karen and Lisa Bell as well as his son, Warren and wife, Deb Gamsky Bell; son, Brooks and wife, Sheri Benghiat Bell; his grandchildren, Lindsey Bell Peacock, Warren Aaron Bell III (Beau), Haley Rose Bell and step-granddaughter, Jaclyn Benghiat. He has four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5-7 PM, Friday, May 6, 2022, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. Burial will be 10 AM, Saturday, May 7 at Manasota Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, PO Box 280, Bradenton, FL 34206 or the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), PO Box 606, Cortez, FL 34215.
Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
