- State: Colorado
Joan Daphane Gaylord Evans Bell was born in Norton, Kansas on November 19, 1938. Both of her parents, Lorene Atkinson Gaylord and Arthur Andy Gaylord were from neighboring farm families. Joan’s middle name was the mistake of a spelling error on her birth certificate. Her name was supposed to be “Daphne”, but the mistake left her saddled with “Daphane”.
After a short stint in Portland, Oregon, where her father helped construct ships for the Navy during WWII, the family settled in Denver. Joan graduated from Littleton High School in 1956, gaining notoriety for Honor Society, academics, dancing and beauty contest awards. In 1957 she married fellow LHS graduate, Morris Evans, and they moved to Greeley, CO to attend college. They had one son, Lane. Always comfortable in front of the public, Joan performed on TV with a square-dancing group, was voted Miss Littleton and later was a TV weather person in Casper, Wyoming. Joan completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education. She taught in the Englewood School District for a year and then in the Littleton School District until her retirement in 1995.
Roy Erwin Bell Jr., whom most of us know as Hap, was born in Dallas, Texas on October 5, 1937 to Roy Erwin Bell, Sr. of McKinney, Texas and Lucille Anne Wallace from Stamford, Texas. He lived in many places in his youth including the West Indies. Hap graduated from Littleton High School and went to Alaska after his graduation. He then went on to Texas Tech University where he earned degrees in Math and Education.
Joan and Hap married in September 1977. They made their home in Littleton until Joan’s retirement.
Upon Hap’s retirement they began building a log home in DeSmet, Idaho, where they had previously purchased land. They moved into it once it was completed in 1995. They served for 11 yrs.
Although they returned to Colorado, big city life was not for them and they moved to Cañon City, CO. Joan enjoyed retirement, gardening, raising and showing their dogs as well as belonging to several clubs including The Red Hat Ladies. She worked with 4H kids and their canine projects as well. Hap enjoyed his retirement as well, continuing with his love of shooting, gun sports and the new friendships he made in the process.
Joan passed away peacefully on July 10, 2020. Hap passed away on October 7, 2020.
They are survived by a daughter, Happy Dawn Bell and a granddaughter Riley Spinner.
They are also survived by a son, Lane Evans, his wife Jaylene, grandson Dr. Dustin Evans, his wife Whitney, and 4 great grandsons Ki, Acen, Stetson and Briar. Granddaughter Jenna Westhoff and her husband Brent, and great grandson Banks. Granddaughter Jessie Bustos, her husband Chris, and great grandson William. Grandson Kenny Evans, wife Daniella, great granddaughters Thaila and Camilla, and great grandson James. Grandson Kelly Florian. Joan’s sister Sharon Gaylord. Niece Courtney Howey and husband Phil. Great nephews Aiden, Austin, and great niece Lauren. Niece Brittany Ore and husband Bobby. Great nephew Conor and great niece Caley.
