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Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthews 11.28
In the evening of April 27th, 2020, Marlon Dean Bell, at the age of 58 years young, from Twin Buttes, N.D., left this earth to embark on his next journey to the spirit world. Over the years, he fought in many varied health battles, surviving against all odds in many of those events. In the midst of those battles, he would often look the doctors in the eyes while they delivered their text book analysis of his chances of survival and he, with a twinkle in his eye, would say, “ I’ll bet that you’ll be planning your funeral before I will.” He was a fighter determined to come out as the victor. Today, he has laid his weapons down, not in defeat, but to accept the hand of God, as his force of presence was needed in his next life.
On May 6th, 1961, Marlon was born the second son of Ardith Whitman and Burton Bell III.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Carl and Lillian Whitman, his paternal grandparents, Burton Bell II and Emerald Smith, his older brother, Monte Bell, and his niece, Brandi Bell.
Marlon lived his life to the fullest, pushing all boundaries at every turn. There was no holding him back. He was an outstanding basketball and football player in his high school years. One of the proudest accomplishments in his life was to be a part of the 1979 Halliday Wolverine basketball team, as they fought their way into the class B state championship game. He was the unanimous choice on the all-state team that year. For many years after that year, and to his very last day, he would still tell you that those memories were at the top of his life defining moments. He would go on to mentor many youths in the community who looked to him for guidance. He was well respected and loved by his community and the surrounding communities.
Marlon loved his home and his friends and family dearly. He referred to Twin Buttes as “God’s country” and longed to be nowhere else in this world. His home overlooked a beautiful landscape with the view of the blue waters of Lake Sakakawea in the distance. He was an avid reader, excited about any book about soldiers and the history of war. He loved to hunt, to fish, to cook and to cruise around his hometown while jamming to his favorite music. He savored and embraced the simplicity of just living life, surrounded by the beauty of the area, embraced within the company and friendship of his comrades that he lovingly referred to as “the boys”.
Of all the accomplishments in his life, his biggest achievement was in the birth of his two beautiful daughters, Krystal and Monique. He was immensely proud of all their accomplishments and boosted, all while displaying the most recent pictures of his grandchildren, Arturo (2 years) and Evelyn (2 months). He was foremost a dad before anything else. Family meant everything to him. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dad, a grandpa and a cousin. Those of us in that link are blessed and honored to be in that family chain.
He would give his shirt off his back for any in need. In one instance many years ago, when he was extremely ill confined to his hospital bed, he struck up a conversation with a young lady that was cleaning his room. He noted that her shoes were in shambles and she told him that they did not fit correctly and that they hurt her feet. He got her shoe size and he scrounged for his very last dollar and sent family out to buy her a new pair of shoes. His generosity and his determination to help those in need was humbling indeed.
He is survived and dearly loved by his mother, Ardith Whitman, his father Burton Bell III, his brothers and sisters Pam (Sascha), Doyle (Memory), Jody, Brenda (Jeff), Whitney (Tarina), Darnell (John), Wesley Maine and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The impact of his presence in this life is far reaching, touching many lives, too many to mention but none forgotten.
Due to the recent events and impact of the corona virus, there will be a small service for immediate family only. For all those friends and extended family who wish to honor Marlon and to send him off to his next journey, you are welcome and encouraged to follow him home, to his resting site. He will be laid to rest at his home, the spot where he last took a breath in this world, fittingly overlooking the blue waters of Lake Sakakawea. We ask that you stay next to your vehicles during the burial. Marlon would worry most about the safety of you, all his friends and family. Please keep your distance and stay safe and healthy for him.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the things are passed away.”
Revelation 21.4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Palm 23.6
A public burial at 11:00 will be at Marlon’s home:
“God’s Country”
510 BIA 22
Golden Valley, N.D. 58541
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marlon Bell, please visit our floral store.