Obituary of Clyde Thomas Bell

Allegany – Clyde Thomas "Tom" Bell     "Loving Husband"

            Clyde Thomas "Tom" Bell, of 3040 Buffalo Road, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018, at the Olean General Hospital, following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving wife.

            Tom was born on May 29, 1936 in Olean and was the son of the late Charles and Helen A. Zimmerman Bell.  He was formerly married to Linda Zink.  On July 11, 1987, in Olean, he married his wife of 30 years, Joan M. Ratzel Bell, who survives.

            Tom was a 1954 graduate of Olean High School.  He served in the US Army from January 2, 1955 to January 24, 1958.  Tom worked as a letter carrier for the Olean Post Office, for over 32 years, from 1960 until his retirement in October 1992.  He started Bells Coin Shop in 1991, which he was currently operating.  Tom was also majority owner of the 3rd Base Bar & Grill on West State Street, which they opened in 1996, and operated for the past 22 years.

            Tom enjoyed playing Fastpitch and Slowpitch softball.  He was a coach, a sponsor, and commissioner of the Fastpitch Softball League for many years.  After retiring from his softball career, Tom returned to his other love, which was cars.  He enjoyed designing and building his street rods and received many awards for his uniqueness.  Tom enjoyed all of his cars, which included, his 1942 Ford Coupe, 1947 Ford Convertible, 1997 Mustang Cobra, and his latest project, his 1953 Ford Pickup.

            Along with his loving wife, Tom is survived by; a son, Craig T. Bell of California; a daughter, Elaine L. Lamberson of Allegany; 1 grandson, Ryan Lamberson; a sister, Sandra (John) Lockwood of Humphrey; and a niece, Stacy Lockwood.

            Tom was predeceased by; 2 brothers, Glen and Irving Bell; his granddaughter, Erica Lamberson; and his son-in-law, Richard Lamberson, who was like a son to him.

            Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State Street, Olean on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 12:30 pm.  Mr. Ken Horton, will officiate.  Burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery in Olean.

            In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com