Charles Wesley Bell, 85, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Monday (July 23, 2012) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The son of Bert and Mary Ethel (Browitt) Bell, he was born January 5, 1927 in Kirksville, Missouri. On January 20, 1944 in Kirksville, Missouri, Charles was united in marriage to Imogene Neely.

Charles is survived by his wife Imogene of sixty-eight years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Dale and Susan Bell of Novinger, MO; Billy and CCharles Wesley Bell, 85, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Monday (July 23, 2012) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The son of Bert and Mary Ethel (Browitt) Bell, he was born January 5, 1927 in Kirksville, Missouri. On January 20, 1944 in Kirksville, Missouri, Charles was united in marriage to Imogene Neely.

Charles is survived by his wife Imogene of sixty-eight years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Dale and Susan Bell of Novinger, MO; Billy and Cathy Bell of Lee’s Summit, MO; one daughter, Carolyn Jean Osgood of Lee’s Summit, MO; one sister, Gertrude Rouse of Novinger, MO; brother-in-law, Norman Neely and wife Jean of Silvis, IL; two sisters-in-law, Helen Baker of East Moline, IL and Gwen Marken and husband Gid of Camdenton, MO; five grandchildren, Shelly Steele, C.J. Bell, Chris Bell, Angela Bell and Kristy Wade; six great-grandchildren, Stacey Steele, Jackson Steele, Martin Steele, Taylor Bell, Christian Wade and John Wade; by Kayla Butler who chose to call him grandpa; one step-granddaughter, Melissa Jerome and husband, Kevin; one step-grandson, Brian Jackson and wife Marilyn; also three step great-grandchildren, Troy Jerome, Alexis and Crissa Jackson, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Bruce Wade, and four brothers, Albert, Mack, Harry and Robert Bell.

Charles was a life long resident of Adair County, receiving his education in the Morelock rural school. He worked at Spring Creek Ranch as a herdsman for ten years. He was employed many years as a truck driver for Stamper Feed Company from 1955 to 1977. Then at ConAgra from 1977 until retiring in 1991. Charles loved living on the farm where he raised cattle. He also enjoyed coon hunting and loved square dancing with Imogene.

He was a member of the Missouri Coon Hunters Association.

Public visitation will be held Friday (July 27, 2012) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday (July 28, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Reverend Darrell Crooks presiding. Music selections “One Day At A Time” and “Peace In The Valley” will be provided by his granddaughter’s, Kristy Wade and Angela Bell, who will be accompanied by Dianthe Cable, organist. Interment will follow the service at the Green Castle Cemetery in Green Castle, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be C.J. Bell, Chris Bell, Rusty Wilson, Garold Harlan, Martin Steele, and Jackson Steele. Honorary bearers will be Carl Johnson, Charlie Eidson, Walter Hannah, Denny Rook, Larry Johnson, Dean Degraffenreid and Lyle Powelson.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Charles Bell may be made to the Green Castle Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.

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