Barry Everett Bell

Barry Everett Bell was born in Kellogg, Iowa on March 28, 1936, the son of James and Ruth (Clark) Bell. He was raised in Des Moines and attended East High School where he met the love of his life.

On June 21, 1957, Barry was united in marriage with Marilyn Shaw at Union Park Christian Church. Their union was blessed with two sons: Brian and David

Barry and Marilyn owned and operated Bell's Delivery Inc. for 47 years. They celebrated their retirement in 2002 by going to Las Vegas, a favorite vacation spot. After retirement he worked part-time at O'Halloran International for 10 years. Barry was the youngest of the 3 Bell boys. The brothers and their families enjoyed stock car racing, boating, camping, playing cribbage, and bowling. Many weekends were spent in Indianola at Nancy and Gene's farm. Barry greeted everyone with a warm smile. If he called you kid, it meant you were special to him. He had a knack for all things mechanical. Barry even owned and flew his own airplane. He could fix anything. He insisted on doing all his own yard work and home remodeling, Mr. DIY. He could often be found at the casino, enjoying monthly luncheons with lifelong friends or many afternoons, at Pueblo Viejo having a margarita with Marilyn, his love of 68 years. Barry never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandkids and great grandkids that he adored.

Barry passed away peacefully in his home with Marilyn by his side on Tuesday, June 4, 2025. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 89 years.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Bell, brothers, Don and Dale Bell, nephews, Rick Dowell and Randy Bell, father and mother-in-law, Carlton and Marydell Shaw, and brother in-law, Gene Dowell.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include wife Marilyn Bell, two children: Brian (Amy) Bell of Altoona and David Bell of Des Moines. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Amanda (Dave) Webb, Josh (Haylee) Bell, and Ashley (Isaac) Poolman; 6 great granddaughters, Cora Webb, Raegan and Kinslee Bell, Wyatt, Maxwell, and Dylan Poolman, and four great grandsons, Jaxon and Easton Bell and Jacob and Thomas Webb, sister in-law, Nancy Dowell, nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank EveryStep Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion and Dr. Stanton Danielson for many years of excellent care. Barry will be remembered for his kindness and strength and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of his great grandson, Jaxon Bell.

A Celebration of Barry's Life will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Fourmile Community Center, 3711 Easton Blvd. Des Moines, Iowa, 5:00 to 7:30 pm. Private burial to be held at a later date.