Karl K. Bell, 66, of Largo, MD, passed away Friday, February 22, 2013 in Doctor's Hospital, MD. Born: March 16, 1946, in Easton, PA, he was a son of the late William and Dorothy Smith Bell. Personal: Karl owned Maple Leaf Landscaping in Largo, MD. Years ago, he was a substitute teacher in Prince George's County, MD. He was a 1964 graduate of Easton Area High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, track and wrestling. Karl was chosen to the Big 33 football team, when the state of Pennsylvania played the state of Texas. Karl received a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where he played football under coach, Lou Sabin. He received numerous Letters of Interest from NFL teams. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving two Bronze Star Medals with V device for heroism against the enemy in Cambodia. Karl also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Air Medal, flying over 60 missions in combat in a war zone. Survivors: Karl is survived by his daughter, Katherine Taylor and her husband Dave, of Annapolis, MD; four brothers, William, Barry and his wife Joanne, Charles and his companion Judy, and Ralph, all of Easton; a sister, Charlotte DeHart and her husband Bruce, of Williams Township; many nieces; nephews; great-nieces; and great-nephews. Karl, you always dreamed of winning the lottery so you could share it with your family. We already won the lottery because we had you in our life. When a BELL rings an angel gets its wings. It's a wonderful life. Rest in peace our Gentle Giant. Love, your daughter, sister, and brothers. Services: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick St., Easton. Calling hours, Saturday, 10-11:00 a.m., in the funeral home. Burial will be in South Easton Cemetery. Offer on-line condolences at www.strunkfh.com. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh, 5513 William Flynn Highway, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or the Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.
Published in The Express Times on February 27, 2013