Joe Alden Bell

Joe Alden Bell, 89, passed away peacefully April 11, 2017, at Moore-Few Nursing Home, Nevada. He was born on Dec. 8, 1927, on a farm eight miles southwest of Stockton, the third child of Euphie Mae (Clark) Bell and Joe Bell. He had two brothers, Alva Edison and Wilbur Dwayne, and one sister, Hazel Lorraine Black. All of his siblings as well as his father and mother preceded him in death.

At the age of 14, he and his family moved to a farm near Schell City where he finished grade school and attended Schell City High School.

Joe was saved in a revival in Schell City at the age of 19 and later was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church in Schell City where he attended until his death.

While in high school he met Evelyn Elizabeth Caruthers, whom he married on March 11, 1950. They were blessed with four children – Steve, Sheryl, Kent, and Kevin.

Joe always loved farming and began farming right out of high school. Following his retirement at 76, he continued helping on the farm.

He loved hunting and his favorite vacation was going pheasant hunting in Nebraska. He is possibly best known for his love of animals and his generous spirit. He enjoyed planting more corn and other vegetables than he needed so he could share with others. Joe never met a stranger and could always find something of common interest to visit about. If there was a farm sale or tool auction nearby, Joe could usually be found there.

Survivors include four children – Steve Bell of Nevada, Sheryl Hallam and husband, Kenneth, of Harwood, Kent Bell and wife, Joann, of Schell City, and Kevin Bell and wife, Kelly, of Walker. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren – Amy Shirrell and husband, Mike, LouAnn Majors and husband, Brad, Tristan Hallam and wife, Linda, Kendra Hallam, Alysia Bell, Ashley Long and husband, Eddie, Caleb Bell, Jacob Bell and wife, Crystal, and Toni and Tiffani Hallam. Joe cherished Mary Ann Bell as his daughter. Also remaining are his nine great-grandchildren – Elizabeth and Noah Shirrell, Madyson and Mason Majors, Kalei and Braxton Hallam, Isaiah Bell and Easton and AJ Long (due May 8th).

Joe treasured his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all of them and his many friends.

His favorite Bible passage was Psalm 23.

Services for Joe Bell were held on Saturday, April 15, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Terry Mosher and Doug Reynolds officiating. Amy Shirrell, Elizabeth Shirrell and Paula Gray provided music. Burial followed in Green Mound Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Tristan Hallam, Caleb Bell, Jacob Bell, Mike Shirrell, Eddie Long and Brad Majors. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Reed, Chris Crocker, Jim Goodman, Ervin Goodman, Paul Palmer, Charles Foreman, David Maus, Ron Maus, Mike Newman, Larry Dade, Don Sanders, Brad Shrum and Larry Nichols.

Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice and left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com.