Mr. Deward
(1923-2007)
Page 1 - Longtime schools
chief
Longtime superintendent set example for generation of educators
As much as Deward Bell was the architect of the model for success with
In many respects,
“Deward
Taggart’s relationship with the man he calls his mentor began when Bell arrived
in Homedale as a 32-year-old World War II veteran from the now-defunct Paul High
School.
“He came here as a coach in 1955, and his idea was he was going to be here a
couple, three years, and he spent his entire career here,” Taggart said.
Bell coached all four major sports at the high school, but made a far greater
impact as an administrator - first as high school principal and then as the
school district’s superintendent.
He served as superintendent from 1962 until his retirement in
1986. During those 25 years,
Taggart said
“Almost every day, he’d be in his office in the
morning. Then he’d go home for lunch and come back in his
Taggart said
“Financially, he was just so savvy, and he didn’t
have to have an attorney come in and talk to him about school law,” Taggart said
in explaining
“Deward was my high school teacher and coach, and he
was the finest teacher I ever had in high school,” Taggart said. “He taught
American Government, and he was very knowledgeable and he expected a lot.”
The lessons would continue after Taggart returned to
Homedale with his teaching degree.
“Deward was my mentor as far as I’m concerned,” said
Taggart, who was a sophomore when Bell showed up to coach football, basketball,
baseball and track and field at Homedale. “As I thought about teaching and
treating people (with respect) and getting along, he was the guy I looked to,
and he was just a fine example.”
On the athletic field,
“I always thought he was a really good teacher and an
excellent coach,” Taggart said. “He’s the guy that started the winning
tradition.”
“In my estimation, he was absolutely, totally
honest,” Taggart said. “And integrity was a big thing, and you knew exactly how
you stood with him.”
And, perhaps the best mark for any teacher,
“He was keen on the kids when he was a teacher and
coach,” Taggart said.
“And I don’t think there was another teacher that was
more demanding than him, and that’s not always the case that the head coach is
the strongest teacher in the school.”
Deward
A
gentle giant, known as a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather,
brother and uncle to his family, as “The Wizard of Homedale (Finances)”,
patriotic soldier, educator, avid football fan and successful coach, Bishop and
friend to others, completed his earthly journey in the early morning hours on
Friday, March 30, 2007, at the local care center in Homedale. He was surrounded
by many of those he loves.
Viewings will be held at the
Deward X. Bell was born on October 5, 1923, at
Deward was educated in
Our country was at war. In addition to his stateside
duty, Deward served 26 months overseas, 11 of which were on the front lines. He
was with the 206th Engineer Combat Battalion, serving with the First and Third
Armies. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good
Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.
Deward was Honorably Discharged and returned home in
1946 to continue his education at Southern Idaho College to complete his
undergraduate degree, lettering 4 years in football and serving as captain his
senior year. He was selected as All-Conference Quarterback.
Deward married his eternal companion and sweetheart,
Leah Mae Owens, in Burley,
Upon his graduation from college he began his
lifelong dedication to the education of youth, teaching and coaching at
In 1955 he came to Homedale to teach Social Studies
and P.E. at the local high school. He was also head coach for football,
basketball, track and baseball. After three years he left the classroom to
assume the duties of principal, continuing his job as head coach of four sports.
During this time daughter number four, Pam, was born.
Deward earned his Master’s Degree from the
Deward lived a life full of many adventures and has
been recognized for his many accomplishments. He was an avid hunter, fisherman,
snowmobiler, ATV rider, lifelong athletic referee, and official captain of the
Bell Party Barge on which he spent many hours cruising
Deward was a born and bred rancher, maintaining his
small acreage and livestock herd while fulfilling his professional duties. Not
many seasons passed at the family home when there wasn’t a garden growing,
stubborn cows needing training, calves to be branded, horses to be ridden, hay
hauled, or irrigating done. During his growing up years, he worked diligently on
the family ranch, doing his daily chores and spending summers herding sheep in
the south hills.
Awards Deward has received include: Masonic Lodge
Certificate of Service to the Public Schools, Outstanding Service & Leadership
to Western Idaho Conference, Service to the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency,
President’s Award from Idaho Coaches Association, Lifetime Sports Pass from the
Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), Lifetime Membership to the
Third District Coaches Association, IHSAA Hall of Fame, Service to the Third
District Commissioner’s Advisory Board, and State of Idaho Service Award
Certificate of Recognition.
Deward was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in numerous callings, including Bishop and
temple worker. He was also a member of the Homedale Kiwanis Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and
sister-in-law Floyd and Leone Bell, sisters and brothers-in-law Chloe and
Charles Warr, Melba Egbert and Kay Darrington, and a granddaughter Jeness
Morris.
Survivors include his beloved wife Leah, brothers
Leslie, Leo (Merla), and Dale (Lila), sister Althora (Sophie) Darrington,
brother-in-law Oscar Egbert, sister-in-law Lena Jenkins, daughters Sheryl Bell,
JoAnn (Tom) Morris, Patti (Stan) Zatica, and Pam (Joe) Favinger all of Homedale;
numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and
friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be
made to the Deward Bell Memorial Scholarship, c/o
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at the Owyhee Health & Rehab Center in Homedale for their compassionate care to Deward during his stay, and to Deward’s nephew Michael and Sara Bell of Bell Funeral Home in Boise for providing such comforting and meaningful funeral arrangements.