Roll Call Tribute

Claude Patterson "Pat" Bell 

February 9, 1933 - January 16, 2025 

Well done, good and faithful servant!

Claude Patterson Bell, 91, went home to be with the Lord on January 16, 2025. Pat was born February 9, 1933, in Cuero, Texas to Seth Pettus Bell and Julia Rogene Patterson.

He was a devoted husband to Sarah Eleanor Westerbeck for 66 years and a loving son, father, grandfather, great grandfather, father and friend to those he adopted and to those who adopted him. He embodied the Spirit of Christ to all who knew him.

Pat graduated from Cuero High School in 1950 and then attended Victoria College prior to being drafted to serve in the Korean War. He married Sarah on January 17, 1953, and after serving 2 years in the military, Pat attended Texas A&M University graduating in 1957. After receiving his Master of Education the following year, he and Sarah returned to Cuero to raise their family.

Pat began teaching 8th grade science and coaching 7th and 8th grade boys prior to a 14-year stint teaching 6th grade science. In 1977 he became a full time partner and manager of the Bell Dairy on the Yoakum Highway. He later returned to the classroom where he taught in the Special Education Department until retiring. Pat wore many hats during his lifetime; Boy Scout leader for Troop 241, Volunteer Fireman, Lions Club member, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon at First Baptist Church, Prison/Jail Ministry, School Board Member, and Municipal Judge to name a few.

Pat loved the Lord and would say his most important job was giving the Word of God to all who would receive it. He and Sarah began a Bible ministry in 1977 and have given thousands of “One Year Bibles” away. God blessed them in this ministry and many lives have also been blessed by God’s Word.

Pat loved working with and being around young people and was a mentor and role model to all who knew him, but none more so than his family who lovingly referred to him as Pappy.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sarah; his sister, Jeannine Reeves and brother Don Bell.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Cynthia Goodwyn and husband Bruce of Boerne, Ken Bell and wife Micki of Stephenville, Patrick Short and wife Tricia of Rockwall, and Becky Capt and husband Carper of Uvalde; nine grandchildren, Candyce Goodwyn of Boerne, Seth Bell and wife Amber of Stephenville, Jared Capt and wife Jessie of Uvalde, James Bell and wife Jacque of Joshua, Byron Capt and wife Stephanie of Uvalde, Ben Bell and wife April of Iowa Park, Ryan Short and wife Megan of Dallas, Lucy Reinhardt and husband Judge of Uvalde, and Rachel Short of West Chester, PA and fifteen great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, 2:00 PM, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Glenn Robertson officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Pallbearers are grandsons, Seth Pettus Bell, Louis Jared Capt, James Clayton Bell, Bryon Stockley Capt, Benjamin Kyle Bell, and Patrick Ryan Short.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.