Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, July 8, 2022, to honor a World War II pilot and funeral director from Shenandoah.

World War II Veteran, Hugh Bell of Shenandoah, Iowa, passed away on June 2, 2022. He was 98-years-old. After being drafted for the war, Bell earned his U.S. Army Air Force Pilots Wings and Officers Commission. He trained pilots for overseas duties in bomber planes. He also became a troop carrier pilot when World War II ended.

Bell went on to be a funeral director. In that role he helped prepare casualties of the Vietnam War to return to their homes in the late 1960s.

Bell only has one living relative. The Iowa Funeral Directors’ Association is encouraging the public to attend his funeral services which will include military honors.

Friday, July 8, 2022

Graveside Service

11:00 a.m.

Rose Hill Cemetery

Shenandoah, Iowa

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.