Danny Bell

Danny (Grasshopper) Bell was born November 3, 1949 in Graham, Texas to the late William Virgil Bell and Dorthy Faye King Martin. He passed away at his home in Fort Worth, Texas on May 30, 2024. He grew up and attended school in Graham until high school when he joined his brother at the Cal Farley Boy's Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. While at the Boy's Ranch Danny was in FFA and sold his heifer at the Houston Livestock Show, rode bulls, and set the state track record for the mile, an accomplishment that stood for 20 years. Upon graduation he worked cutting trees until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1971 as a military police officer.  While serving two tours in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He additionally completed one tour in Thailand and on Johnston Island.

Danny's 49 year marriage to Linda Westerman Bell began on July 9, 1974 in Graham.  During his military career Danny and his family were stationed in Kansas, San Antonio, Germany, and El Paso where he oversaw base security. He left the Army in 1985 and joined the U.S. Marshal's Service as a Special Deputy Marshal where he worked in the Northern District of Texas as a Federal Court Officer, serving for 31 years. He worked at both Federal Court Buildings in Dallas and Fort Worth and was honored to protect and call friends Judge Barefoot Sanders and Judge Eldon B. Mahon and remained friends with them until their passing. He enjoyed collecting movies, camping, his dogs, watching wrestling, going to discount stores, spending time with his family, and eating his son-in-law's BBQ ribs.

He is survived by his wife Linda Bell of Fort Worth, Texas, his daughter Vickie Ferrell (Michael) of Fort Worth, and son Daniel Bell (Stefanie Brainard) of Allen, Texas. Eight grandchildren, Zachary Ferrell (Jenna) of Burleson, Texas, Matthew Ferrell (Erika) of Fort Worth, and Alex Ferrell of Fort Worth, and Wesley Bell, lan Bell, Kane Brainard, Sebastian Brainard, and Katrina Brainard all of Allen, Texas. Three great-grandchildren, Madelyn Ferrell, Emmitt Ferrell, and Joshua Ferrell all of Fort Worth. Brothers Virgil Ray Bell (Lenora) of Bryson, Texas, Paul Bell (Christy) of Springtown, Texas, Ted Wagner (Darlene) of Farmersville, Texas and sisters Judith Gustafson of Springtown, Texas, Doylene Fields (Larry) of Greenville, Texas, and Beverly Wagner of Oklahoma. He is additionally survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and dear friends. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, son Johnny Paul Bell, granddaughter Christina Ferrell, brother William James Bell and sisters Joyce Martin Egelhoff, Barbara Cline and Robin Walcott.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Vitas Hospice Care and to all the family members, friends, and neighbors who helped during his final care. His kindness and humor will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel and burial will be in Pioneer Cemetery.