Perry Bell

Past Master Biography: Perry H. Bell (1920 – 2006) Past Master: Lubbock Lodge No. 1392 Year Served: 1992–1993 Secretary: 1999–2001 I. Life & Career Early Life & Military Service Perry Hite Bell was born on November 16, 1920, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His connection to West Texas began in 1941 when he moved to attend Reese Army Airfield (then Lubbock Army Airfield). He holds a distinguished place in local history as a graduate of the very first class of pilots from the field, specifically trained to fly the legendary P-38 Lightning. During World War II, he served in Alaska, providing critical defense in the Aleutian Islands campaign. Education & Professional Life After the war, Perry married Camille Graves on December 21, 1943. He was a man of diverse talents and high intellect. In 1947, he graduated from West Texas State with a degree in education. He initially settled in Crosbyton, where he worked as a lumber yard owner and builder. In 1962, the family moved to Lubbock, where Perry returned to his passion for education. He taught in Lubbock Public Schools and later earned both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Education from Texas Tech University. Community & Interests Perry was a true Renaissance man. He received his first amateur radio call sign, W5SOD, in 1951, maintaining the hobby for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Astronomy Club of Lubbock and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church choir. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Camille, and their two daughters, Caroline and Catherine. II. Masonic Journey Degree Work Initiated (EA): April 22, 1948 — Canyon City Lodge No. 730 Passed (FC): January 27, 1949 — Canyon City Lodge No. 730 Raised (MM): February 24, 1949 — Canyon City Lodge No. 730 Memberships & Affiliations Lubbock Lodge No. 1392: Affiliated January 13, 1963; Endowed Member (Jan 27, 1992). Crosbyton Lodge No. 1020: Affiliated May 3, 1952. Canyon City Lodge No. 730: Mother Lodge. III. Service Record & Offices Held Brother Bell’s Masonic service spanned half a century and three different Lodges. He served as an officer in Canyon City in the early 1950s, in Crosbyton in the late 1950s, and finally ascended to the East in Lubbock Lodge in the early 1990s. Lodge Leadership Lubbock Lodge No. 1392: Worshipful Master: 1992–1993 Secretary: 1999–2001 Senior Warden: 1991–1992 Junior Warden: 1990–1991 Crosbyton Lodge No. 1020: Senior Deacon: 1959–1960 Tiler: 1955–1956 Canyon City Lodge No. 730: Secretary: 1951–1952 Senior Steward: 1950–1951 IV. In Memoriam Brother Perry H. Bell laid down his working tools on November 25, 2006, at his home in Lubbock, at the age of 86. Services: Celebration of Life Memorial Services were held at First Baptist Church\'s Ford Chapel. Full Obituary: His complete life story and family details were published in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in late November 2006. You can request a copy of this archived notice from the Lubbock Public Library.