Former Van Buren Mayor Gene Bell dies at age 89
Bell served one term on the Van Buren City Council and then went on to serve as Mayor of Van Buren from 1978-1990. Author: 5NEWS Web Staff Updated: 10:02 PM CST February 22, 2021
VAN BUREN, Ark. Former Van Buren Mayor Robert Eugene “Gene” Bell has passed away at age 89.
According to his obituary, Bell passed away on Feb. 20, 2021.
He was a 1949 graduate of Van Buren High School and attended Fort Smith Community College until he joined the US Navy from 1951-1955. He was a Korean War Veteran.
He was an accountant for Evans Coal Company in Fort Smith before going into business with his best friend, Earl Robinson as Robinson-Bell, Inc. He was also Vice-President & Cashier of People’s Bank.