Wiley Bell, one of the founders of the now-closed 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City, died at age 95 about a week ago, according to an obituary in The Oklahoman newspaper.
The bowling alley sat along original Route 66, which is now known as NW 39 Expressway. Bell was manager of 66 Bowl from 1964 through 1978; he told The Oklahoman in a 2009 interview that the house remained open 24 hours “in the early years” because bowling was so popular and everyone wanted to learn how to play.
The 66 Bowl closed in 2010 after an investment by the current owner soured, and now is a grocery store. The famous 66 Bowl sign was purchased at auction by Team JYD, a design firm that says will eventually restore it.
Bell earned a Bronze Star in World War II, and rolled a perfect game at another local bowling alley in 1962. He eventually was inducted into the Oklahoma City Bowling Hall of Fame.