Dell worked for the State Department of Highways, following in his father's footsteps, until his retirement in 1966.

He engineered many highway projects in Eastern and North Central Washington.

During W.W. II, Dell served with the U.S. Army in the Counter Intelligence Corps.

He was in Japan after the war ended. He also served during the Korean Conflict.

He is a member of the American Legion Post #10 and the F.O.E. #204, both of Wenatchee.