Alton Dean Bell, born to Harry and Mary Alice Purdy Bell January 3, 1928, a loving husband, devoted father, and a friend to many, passed from this life April 7, 2019.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Patsy Jo Bell; daughters Elaine Wilkinson, Linda Bell, and Pamela Neeley (Mike); stepchildren Linda Elmore, David Simpson (Debbie), and Tracy Williams (Mark). 14 Grandchildren, and 9 Great-grandchildren.

Dean graduated from Tulsa Central High School and achieved a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Tulsa University.

He served in the United States Army and is a World War II and Korean War veteran. Dean worked 37 years for American Airlines. Upon retirement, he and his wife ran a small but successful arts and crafts business for 15 years.

Dean had a dry wit & corny sense of humor right up until the end. It's hard not to think of him without laughing about some subtle joke he'd made.

He loved to play cards, and was very good at it - had the best poker face ever.

He became very close with his dear friend Willie Nelson, who would often sit by his shoulder and purr.

Dean will be remembered by those closest to him for his soft, gentle manner, his kindness, humor, his inspiringly quiet demeanor, and so much more. We hope that visitors here will do the family the kindness of sharing stories you remember about Dean. He was a good man.

Visitation will be on Wednesday at Moore Southlawn Funeral Home. The graveside funeral service will be on Thursday at 11:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Those who wish, may meet in the Southlawn parking lot at 10:45 and go together to the gravesite. There will be a reception following the graveside at Moore Southlawn Chapel. Everyone is invited.