BELL, Joseph S. - Putnam

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune - Thursday 26 July 1945 p 10

Lt. Col. Joseph S. Bell, 45, whose widow is Mrs. Mary Thomas Bell, 1441 Bryan Ave., is reported dead following the sinking of a Japanese prisoner of war ship 300 miles off the coast of China Dec. 15, 1944, while being transported to the Japanese mainland. He was born in Ladoga, Ind., Nov. 19, 1899. He attended DePauw University and was graduated from Indiana university law school. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Col. Bell practiced law in Lebanon, Ind. A World War I veteran, he was sent to Fort Douglas in 1935 on CCC duty and married Mary Thomas June 24, 1936, at Fort Douglas. Called to active duty in February, 1941, he was stationed at Fort Douglas. In October, 1941, he was sent to the Philippines and was stationed on Mindanao island until taken prisoner by the Japanese. Col. Bell was a member of the Masonic order, Argenta Blue lodge, the Shrine and Sojourners, and was a member of the Salt Lake City Elks club. Survivors in addition to his widow are a son, David, 5 and his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas, Salt Lake City.