BELL, Russell B. (Rusty)

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Russell B Bell September 25, 1939 - February 17, 2015 Rusty was born to Hollis Crest, adopted as an infant by her husband Earl Nelson & raised in San Diego, CA, with his younger siblings Sherrie & Mike. He left after high school and one semester at San Diego State University to obtain a solid electronics education through 9 1/2 years in the Army. Rusty loved to travel, and got to do it a lot; he either lived, worked or had extended visits to all but 5 states, as well as Germany, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Australia, Korea, China, Spain, Belgium, France, Italy and most recently, Ireland. He was in the process of planning short visits see friends and to the National Parks he hadn't see, as well as a Viking River Cruise in Russia. Rusty's job as a field engineer for Hawk & Patriot Missiles as well as unmanned drones presented him with many unique opportunities. Through his civilian work he was awarded numerous Certificates of Merit as well as a medal for Outstanding Civilian Service to the United States Army. In addition he received numerous plaques from the Israeli Air Defense, one of which contains a fragment from one of the 4 Scud missiles he assisted in intercepting during the Gulf War. Rusty was proud to have raised 3 children to become successful, productive adults. He loved the Lord, and after a time wandering away from Him, returned to Him, serving Him in any way he could. One daughter with schizophrenia & bi-polar disease disappeared 27 years ago, but he continued to pray for her. He lost a son to SIDS at one week of age in the early 60's. He was a most devoted and loving husband to wife Maureen for just 13 days shy of 36 years. He was her primary caretaker when she became disabled 9 years ago, and certainly lived out his vows of for better or worse. We will miss Rusty and his many stories about his interesting life. So happy to know his new life has only just begun, and this time with no arthritis, heart, or lung problems.