Arthur Franklin Bell, age 88, a longtime resident of Hoquiam, died on Dec. 4, 2019, at his home in Hoquiam. Mr. Bell was born on June 23, 1931, in Opal, South Dakota, to George F. and Ruby (Hart) Bell. At age 9, he moved with his family to Ocosta, Washington. He graduated from Ocosta High School in 1949, where he was a standout football player.

Soon after high school, he began working in the woods. In the mid 1950s, he worked for Lamb Grays Harbor and became a blacksmith. He remained there until his retirement in 1993.

On Aug. 31, 1951, he and Peggy Wertz were married. Peggy later died on Sept. 29, 1997. He later married Joyce L. Thompson on April 27, 2002. Joyce survives at the family home in Hoquiam.

Arthur loved woodworking and selling his wares at craft fairs throughout the area for more than 48 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and traveling to Montana and South Dakota. He loved having family get-togethers, especially Christmas Eve and Easter. He enjoyed listening to country music.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, surviving relatives include his children and their spouses, Sarah and Terry Wetzel of Hoquiam, Sherri and Dennis Elders of Hoquiam, Steve and Karen Bell of Shelton, Sandi Bell of Elma, and Sid Bell of Lacey; step-children and their spouses, Randy and Debbie Thompson of Seattle, Ben Thompson of Seattle and Shelly and Mike Snyder of Hoquiam; a sister, Florence Edwards of Montesano and a brother, Robert and Louise Bell of Bremerton. The extended family has 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren (also one on the way) and five great-great-grandchildren.

Two brothers, George and Lester Bell, and two sisters, Emma Newman and Myrtle Bassinger, died previously.

A funeral service will be held at noon at the Coleman Mortuary on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019. Interment will follow at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.