Thomas Chandler Bell

Thomas Chandler Bell, 77, of Seal Beach, California passed away with his family by his side on April 16, 2024.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on October 23, 1946, Tom spent most of his younger years in the town of Oyster Bay, Long Island. In 1967 he was drafted into the US Army, attending Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, GA and basic flight school Fort Walters Mineral Wells, TX. He was part of the Little Bears Company A, 25th Aviation Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Tom spent the next 6 years serving our country, including transporting our troops throughout Vietnam.
During his time in the service he rose to the rank of Captain and earned an Army Commendation medal, a Vietnam service medal, a Bronze Star medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Campaign medal with 60 Device, and 2 Overseas Service Bars. Tom also served a short time in the California Army National Guard spending weekends flying UH-1 (Huey) helicopters.
Upon leaving the army, Tom spent time studying at the University of Maryland where he began working production, ticket sales and security for major entertainment productions, one notable performer being Bob Dylan, even joining Dylan on tour for a short time. Tom also enjoyed sharing the history of his Grandfather Mellors having been a survivor on the Titanic, clinging to a raft in the frigid waters for hours before being rescued.
In 1985 he met his wife, Deborah, and two years later they were married in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Taylor and Lauren.
Tom was gracious and had a gentle heart that touched the lives of many. He was passionate about volunteering and giving back to his community, and would never hesitate to help a friend in need. He had a contagious laugh and loved to watch old movies or get pulled into a thrilling novel. Tom was an avid member of Grace Community Church in Seal Beach, the Seal Beach Lions Club, past president of the Los Alamitos Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), American Legion Post 291, a volunteer of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve ( ESGR), Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA), as well as various programs and boards which assist the military community and their families. Tom adored his grandkids and could always be heard cracking jokes or reading them a bedtime story, and they were smitten too.
His selflessness and willingness to serve will live on in the community and his family as they continue to remember the legacy he left behind.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Charles Leslie Bell, and his mother, Virginia Mellors Kirk. He is survived by his wife of nearly 37 years, Deborah (McMahon) Bell, his daughters, Taylor Kabacinski (Adam) and Lauren Walter (Cory), his grandchildren, Lillian, Eleanor, and Thomas. He is also survived by his younger sister Candace Bell and many extended family and friends.
In our time of grief we found signs of Tom in mourning doves that nested at our home days after his passing. Mourning doves are often considered a sign from a departed loved one representing the comfort, peace and love they have found with the lord. We hope you too can find comfort in doves.

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