Obituary of Clifford William Bell Jr.

Clifford W. Bell Jr., 67, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2023, at his home in Downey, Iowa.

Cliff’s family will receive guests for visitation on Friday, July 7^th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, 2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City, concluding with a funeral service at 12:00 pm, also at the funeral home.  Cliff will be laid to rest at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. The family requests that you wear your favorite Harley-Davidson, fishing, or car related shirt for the service.

Cliff, or “Junior” to many, was born on August 25, 1955, in West Branch, Iowa, the son of Clifford Sr. and Ramona (Marshall) Bell. A passionate outdoorsman, Cliff found his bliss spending time on the river, working in his garden, and feeling the wind on his face while riding his Harley.  He enjoyed working with his hands, and was a talented mechanic who could diagnose and fix anything on a vehicle.  He loved his family and friends deeply, and spent as much time with them as possible, putting together puzzles, going on fishing trips, putting on firework displays, or simply sharing stories with them around a fire.  He was renowned for his kind, carefree nature, and willingness to help people in any way he could.  Cliff will be missed tremendously, but his spirit will be carried by all who loved him.

Cliff is survived by his daughters, Stacy (Dustin Mullane) Moore and Cindy (Brad Christy) Eaton-Smith; grandson, Tyler Ellyson; siblings, Kathy (Alan) Daedlow, Bonnie Manary, and Larry (Sandy) Bell. 

Cliff is preceded in death by his parents.

Please continue to keep Cliff’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.