Larry D. Bell

With great sadness, our family announces the passing of our beautiful, wise and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Larry Dean Bell, 83 of Franklin. Larry left this earthly place to be with our Lord Jesus in his heavenly home. 

Born in Nineveh, PA on September 21, 1940 he was the son of the late Franklin D. and Betty June Hartman Bell.

Larry was a 1958 graduate of Rocky Grove High School. 

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee. He served from 1959 through 1962 aboard the USS Tanner. 

After his discharge from the Navy, Larry worked as a Lineman for GE Phone Company for nearly 10 years. At that time he surrendered his life to serve his Lord Jesus and attended seminary school at Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, TX where he graduated in 1975 as Salutatorian of his class. Larry was a missionary to Brazil for 20 years. 

He founded the Messiah Baptist Church in Franklin and was Pastor for 20 years. 

Larry loved the outdoors, hunting and working on his farm. 

Larry married Elaine Mattern in 1959 and they happily celebrated their 65th anniversary on May 29, 2024.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are five children, Denise Kossman and her husband Scott of Franklin, Diana Rudolph and her husband Dan of Franklin, Rebecca Hays and her husband Tom of of Franklin, Mary DePietro and her husband John of Kennerdell and Larry Bell and his wife Ali of Virginia; 17 grandchildren, Scotter, T.J., Taylor, Jennifer, Rachael, Johnny, Leah, Adrienne, Brittney, Clinton, Jesse, Nicci Jennifer, Joshua, Josiah, Seth and Ella and 26 great-grandchildren, Kyaira, Cecelia, Destiny, Jaeden, Stella, Aislynne, Schiffer, Ember, Felicity, James, Nathan, Layla, Broc, Cooper, Sawyer, Avery, Thatcher, Leisel, Raegan, Lincoln, Brooks, Lucas, Etta, Adelina, Leo and Natalie. 

Also surviving are six siblings, Cheryl Coon, Robert Bell, Deana Clulow, Jeff Bell, Frank Bell and Betsy Cochran. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Vicki Rodemoyer and a brother, David Bell. 

Family and friends welcome from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Friday at Messiah Baptist Church, 2260 Rocky Grove Ave. Franklin, PA 16323.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. Friday in the church.

Military Honors will be rendered by the V.E.T.S Honor Guard at the conclusion of the funeral service. 

Interment will follow at Starr Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Huffguthrie.com.