James Leon Bell, 84


James Leon Bell, 84

Graveside funeral services with full military honors for James Leon Bell, 84, of West Plains, were held Nov. 9, 2018, at the Eaton Cemetery near Dora with Charles Cale officiating. Mr. Bell died Nov. 7 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

He was born July 14, 1934, in Trail, the son of Jesse Earl and Myrtle Parsley Bell. He joined the Air Force on Nov. 9, 1953, and served four years. On Aug. 17, 1953, he married Eula Elliott, and they had four children. 

Mr. Bell loved to go fishing and hunting, and he loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed bluegrass music and playing his guitars. He was of the Pentecostal faith, serving as a minister for two years and drove the school bus for Gainesville Schools for many years.

He is survived by two children, James Bell and wife Cathy of Caulfield, and Kathy Owenby and fiancé Robert Trumble of Wasola; two sisters, Leota Williams of Warsaw, and Oleta Webb of Bourbon; eight grandchildren, Justin Bell, Jonathon Bell, April Maloney, Jamie Rogers, James McKisson, Michael Tandy, Levi Tandy and Promise Tandy; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and one special Bible study friend, Kevin Keefe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald and William Bell; two sisters, Etta Fowler and Deloris House; one son Maurice Bell; and one daughter Sandra Tandy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423