Charles (Punky) Bell

Born April 15, 1936, in Salida, Colorado

Passed away September 16, 2022, at the age of 86

Punky was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved spending time at his cabin, riding ATVs, and hanging out with family and friends.  Punky also loved being part of the Elks Lodge.  He was a lifetime member of the Salida Elks Lodge 808.  He participated in the hoop shoots, soccer kick challenges, fundraisers, haunted houses, and booths set up in the park at craft fairs.  He was also a talented woodworker and enjoyed making gifts for the Elks Lodge, family, and friends.  In his later years, he developed a love for puzzles and would spend hours on them.

Punky also spent two years in the army.  He was stationed at Camp Murray in Tacoma, Washington.  He worked as an electrician specialist.

After an honorable discharge, he returned to Salida and married Lynne (Ticky) Heister on July 8, 1963.  They remained in Salida and raised their two boys.  He and Ticky were well known for their incredible dancing and would stop people in their tracks just to watch them.  Punky also had an infectious laugh and a wonderful personality.  He was loved by all who met him.

In 1998, after the death of his wife, he moved to Canon City, Colorado, to be near his family.

Punky was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Martha Bell from Salida, Colorado, and his wife, Lynne (Ticky) Bell, also from Salida, Colorado.

He is survived by his sons: Gordon (Marsha) Bell, Arlo Bell; his grandchildren, Nikki, Andrew, Brendon, Jesse, and Jaden Bell; his brother, Clarence Bell, Mountain Home, Idaho; twin sisters, Marlene Stoessel, Englewood, Colorado, and Charlene Bell, Colorado Springs, Colorado; his Sister-in-law, Readon Magneson, Salida, Colorado; his dear friend of many years, Sharon Parker; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Salida, Colorado, on October 15, 2022, at 11:00 am.  The Salida Elks officers will be performing the lodge graveside service as well as a lunch directly following the ceremony at the Salida Elks Lodge 808, 148 E 2nd Street, Salida, Colorado.

Please join us for a celebration of Punky’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an Elks Lodge of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles (Punky) Bell, please visit our floral store.