David P. Bell

David Paige Bell (“Dr. Dave”), age 81, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday November 13, 2025. He was born in Gallipolis, OH on June 7, 1944, to the late Hollie Paige Bell, Jr. (“H. Paige”) and Hortense Pearl Hogue Bell Butler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister: Carol Diane Bell Withum.

David started dating the love of his life, Bobbie, in the fall of 1966 at West Virginia University (WVU). He needed a “suitable date” to take to meet his parents. After Bobbie graduated from WVU, they were married in 1967 and stayed in Morgantown until David finished Pharmacy school. Next, they moved to Charleston, WV and eventually settled in Parkersburg, WV near David’s parents in 1972 where they lived until 2015 when David’s mother passed; they then moved to Indiana to be near their daughter and her family.

David graduated from Parkersburg High School and went to West Virginia University on a debate scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1968 and worked as a retail Pharmacist. David also joined the United States Army Reserves as a Pharmacy officer until 1996, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He served as Director of Pharmacy at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital (CCMH), went back to school to earn his MBA from West Virginia Graduate College in 1973 which allowed him to move into the role of Director of Human Resources at CCMH (then St. Joseph’s Hospital). He continued to work full time and pursue his PhD in Higher Education Administration at Ohio University and graduated in 1979. He was named Director of Educational Services at St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1988. In 1996, he began working for West Virginia University – Parkersburg and served as Associate Dean of Development Services, Dean, Center for Corporate and Continuing Education, and Dean, Corporate and Community Education Emeritus. In addition, he provided consulting services in both fields of management and pharmacy.

In his younger years, David was an avid golfer and tennis player. “Papaw” enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sports, cheerleading, concert band, marching band and orchestra events. He encouraged and supported their college educations. He enjoyed and supported the arts including movies, theatre, and symphony orchestra. A voracious reader and lifelong learner, he always had a book or article with him. David and Bobbie traveled the world by cruise ship and made many priceless memories.

In his later years, David enjoyed learning about Lewis and Clark and the medications of the American Revolution. He was active in the Sons of the American Revolution. He was active in Rotary International, holding many roles in both the New Albany and Parkersburg Clubs. He also served as an Elder, Trustee and choir member at St. John Presbyterian Church as well as Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include: his wife of 58 years: Bobbie Bell, his daughter: Robin Sprigler (Jonathan), granddaughter: Emily Malone (Luke), grandson: Benjamin Sprigler, and great-granddaughter: Matilda Malone.

David was known for warm long hugs “where our hearts could talk to each other”.

A Celebration of David’s life will be held at 3 PM Saturday November 29th, at St. John Presbyterian Church (1307 E. Elm St., New Albany, IN). Visitation with the family will be at the church from 1 PM – 3 PM Saturday before the service.

David’s arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. John Presbyterian Church (New Albany, IN) or Westminster Presbyterian Church (Vienna, WV).