Alan Leroy 'Bud' Bell, 88, of Edgemont, SD, passed away April 24, 2025.  Bud was born September 7, 1936 in Pine Ridge, SD, the youngest of seven children born to Stella Dora (Twiss) Bell and Elza Bell of Cuny Table, SD.

Bud was born two months pre-mature and when his oldest sister Ester saw him in an incubator she said, "Moma he looks just like a rosebud!"   Hence the nickname, Bud.  He always preferred it to his given name.

When the family moved from Cuny Table to Pine Ridge he attended primary school there.  In 1941, the family moved to Crawford, NE where he attended the public school graduating from Crawford High School in 1954.

Soon after graduation he, with three other classmates, joined the U.S. Navy.  As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bud served his country with honor and distinction aboard the USS Boxer – an Essex-class aircraft carrier.  Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he returned to Crawford and worked for Nash Finch Food Company.  During this time, he married, started a family and moved to Edgemont, SD, where he worked for Foster Lumber Company, Edgemont Uranium Mill and lastly for the Burlington Northern Railroad as a conductor, completing 30 years of service.

During his retirement years Bud kept busy with many hobbies.  He enjoyed spending many hours in his workshop, honing his skills and crafting beautiful pieces of art.  His passion for woodworking was evident in his meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.  He employed a unique method for laminating and turning artistically patterned wood bowls from a wide variety of woods, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful creations. His work was displayed in various Native American museums and art galleries around the United States.

Bud also had a strong appreciation for classic cars which he enjoyed finding and resurrecting.  He was an avid reader, lover of music and many many cats.  He had a special place in his heart for cats.  He pampered them and made sure they had plenty of food and water including the strays.

Bud had a great sense of humor and always had a soft spot for the underdog.  He will be remembered by many for his generosity in their time of need and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  His true pride and joy however, were his six children for whom he cared deeply.

Bud is survived in death by his children, Christine (Kris) Barker of Las Vegas, NV; Patricia (Dennis) Ward of Tulsa, OK; Mike (Brenda) Bell of Boise, ID; Brenda (Jim) Todd of Alliance, NE; Ben (Cyndy) Bell of Elko, NV; David (Denalee) Bell of Boise, ID; sister, Denise James of Rapid City, SD; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren as well as many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and three brothers.

Rest in peace Kemosabe!  Your memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD followed by committal service at the Edgemont Cemetery.