Local World War II veteran dies at 101 years old
RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – Janice “Jingle” L. Bell was not only a Logan County native; he was also a hero. Bell died Friday, May 26 at the age of 101 at his home, according to the Logan County Post of American Legion.
Janice Lee Bell was no stranger to service, having served in World War II. The Logan Post says Bell was a proud U.S. Army veteran, a Christian and was a member of American Legion for more than 50 years.
As part of his service, Janice Bell was trained at Fort Knox before barracks were even built at the site and spent his nights in a tent. The pay scale at the time was $21 a month.
Janice Bell’s first assignment was as a forward telephone operator in an artillery unit, where he laid firing commands. Following this, he served as a unit supply sergeant. He was also deployed to France after D-Day.
Janice Bell was born on Oct. 1, 1921 and is survived by his wife of 40 years, Frances “Granny” Bell, stepsons John E. Sharp and his wife, Carolyn, as well as Tom Sharp and wife, Charlotte, granddaughter Amy Sharp McKinney, great-grandsons Parker McKinney and Nolan McKinney, nieces and nephews Barry Bell, Dorinda Doss, Kevin Bell and Keith Bell, great nieces Melissa Bell Faylen, Melanie Bell Trumble, Susan Bell, Jennifer Guarino and Zoe Bell and great nephews Ben, Daniel, Gabe and Alex.
A committal service with full military honors for Janice Bell will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30 at Kentucky Veterans West Cemetery in Hopkinsville.
