LEIGHTON ‘BUD’ BELL, HALLOWELL – Leighton ‘Bud’ Bell, 95, died peacefully on September 22, 2017 at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Alfond Center for Health in Augusta, Maine. Bud was born on January 5, 1922, the son of Clyde and Effie (Grant) Bell, in Sherman Mills, the sixth of their ten children.
In 1948, he married Geraldine Grant, and together they had three children – Susan, Richard, and Edward. Bud graduated from Houlton High School in 1940. He began his adult life farming potatoes, then worked for the Atlas Plywood Company creating roads to access high quality hardwoods. In 1956, he and his family relocated to Caribou where he began working with his older brother, at “Mike’s Mighty Market”. In 1964, Bud, Gerry, and family moved to Patten. For over 18 years, Bud and Gerry owned and operated the successful grocery store, “Bell’s IGA”. They sold the business in 1983, retired and enjoyed winters in Bradenton, Florida, and summers in the greater Houlton area. Their final years were spent at Granite Hill Estates in Hallowell.
Bud had a passion for hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends at the hunting camp in Glenwood and at their home in Shin Pond, New Limerick, or Houlton. He loved family gatherings, gardening, staying active and fit, golfing, traveling and watching sporting events, especially football.
Bud is survived by his children, Susan Bell of Augusta, Richard Bell of Meddybemps, and Edward Bell and his wife, Katherine of Calais; his grandchildren, who knew him as “Bebe”, Marcie Bell-Boure and husband Andrew, Holly Bell and husband Bryan Ingram, John Bell and wife Amanda, Sarah Thomas and husband Michael, and Samuel Bell; his great-grandchildren, Kayla Gagner, Everett Hanson, Aidan Ingram, Easton Bell and Isabella Thomas; his sister-in-law Frances Grant of Houlton and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Geraldine; his parents and nine siblings.
Bud was a strong, hardworking man with an upbeat personality who will be remembered for his love of family, his competitive nature, his zest for life, and the way he brightened a room when you walked into it.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bud’s life at 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 30th at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water Street, Houlton, with light refreshments to follow. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. To share favorite memories or sign a guest book, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.
