Terrel H. Bell, 74, passed away on June 22, 1996, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, of complications related to pulmonary fibrosis.
Born November 11, 1921, in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, to Willard D. and Alta Martin Bell. He married Betty Ruth Fitzgerald Bell on August 1, 1957. They are the parents of four sons. He was a man of great devotion - to his family, his profession and his faith.His lifelong dedication to education began in the 1920's in the Idaho public schools, where he graduated from Lava Hot Springs High School. He continued his studies at Albion Normal School in Albion, Idaho. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater of World War II, where he was discharged at the rank of first sergeant in 1946. He was awarded a masters degree from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of Utah.
He commenced his career as a science teacher, athletic coach, principal and school superintendent in Rockland, Idaho. He later served as Superintendent of Schools in Star Valley, Wyoming, Weber County, Utah, and Granite School District in Salt Lake City, Utah. He served as Chair of the Department of Educational Administration at Utah State University and as Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Utah. He also served as Utah Superintendent of Public Instruction and Utah Commissioner of Higher Education.
He was appointed United States Deputy Commissioner of Education, and Commissioner of Education under Presidents Nixon and Ford. In 1981 he was appointed United States Secretary of Education by President Ronald Reagan, where he initiated the study by the National Commission on Excellence in Education, which concluded in the 1983 landmark report, "A Nation at Risk, The Imperative for Education Reform".
After his retirement from public service, he worked tirelessly on numerous educational, corporate and community service boards. He was the author of numerous books, articles and publications, and during the course of his career was awarded 44 honorary doctorate degrees. He was equally devoted to his faith, serving as Sunday School teacher and president; member of the Sunday School General Board; Stake President of the University Second Stake, and most recently as a Regional Representative.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Betty Ruth Bell; and their sons, Mark F. Bell (Laura), Warren T. Bell (Tammy), Glenn M. Bell (April) and Peter F. Bell (Holly); and six grandchildren, Emily, Clark, Ashley, Sarah, Anna and Grayson.
A funeral service will be held in his honor on Wednesday, June 26, 1996, at 12 noon, Ensign Peak Ward, 125 East North Sandrun Road, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may call at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, on Tuesday, June 25, from 6-8 p.m., and at the Ensign Peak Ward Chapel on Wednesday, June 26, from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Internment will follow the memorial service at the Sunset Gardens, 10600 South 1700 East, Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made to the National Academic League, c/o 68 South Main Street, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
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