Herbert Roy Bell

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Herbert Roy Bell, who peacefully left this world on December 2, 2023, at the age of 91.  Herb was born on September 9, 1932, in Melrose Park, Il to William & Florence Bell.   He attended Proviso High School and at the age of 16, enlisted in the National Guard where he served until Jan of 1950 when he entered the United States Navy. In 1951 after serving time in the Korean War he met and married Shirley Mae Healy.  Together they moved to Gardena, California where Herb worked as a locksmith for over 20 years.   In 1978 they moved to Grants Pass and opened “Bell Lock & Key” on Rogue River Hwy.  In 1994 Herb and Shirley applied for and received a radio license from the FCC to begin broadcasting KRRM 94.7 FM radio which they co-operated together.  Their love for classic county and western music as well as old time western stories became a 27-year icon in Grants Pass earning them the prestigious Radio Station of the Year award from the AWA (Academy of Western Artists) in 2005.   Herb retired from Radio in 2020 after handing the reins over to Grants Pass Broadcasting which owns and operates the station today.   Herb is survived by his nephew and niece, Chuck & Noreen Bell of Mobile, Alabama.   He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his mother and father and brother Bill.  Funeral services and ceremonies to honor Herb’s life will be held at 1629 Williams Hwy., Grants Pass, Oregon.  Please join us in paying tribute to this remarkable man on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 1:00PM.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Stephensfc.com. Memorial contributions can be made to Our Foster Kids (ourfosterkid.com) or to a charity of your choice.