John (Johnny) T. Bell, 77, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Monday, (July 30, 2012) after fighting a long battle of Emphysema the last several years, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

Johnny was born June 27, 1935 the son of Wallace Drake and Edna Mae (Harley) Bell, in Sedalia, Missouri. On February 18, 1955, Johnny was united in marriage to Evelyn (Moore) Bell with Reverend Ralph M. G. Smith officiating and to this union three sons were born.

Johnny is survived by his wife Evelyn of fifty-seven years; two sons, Randall Gene Bell of Sheboygan, WI and Tracy Lee Bell and his wife Vicki of Forney, TX; daughter-in-law, Delores Bell of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Jessica Ann Bell of Kansas City, MO and Jonathan Lee Bell and wife Carissa of Forney, TX; a great-granddaughter, Kaydence Bell of Forney, TX; one sister, Delores Bell of Freeburg, IL; brother-in-law, Harold Leon Moore and wife Neva of Winigan, MO; sister-in-law, Helen Brubaker of Kirksville, MO, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Danny Edward Bell in 2000 and one brother, James (Jimmy) Bell in 2003.

In the 1950’s Johnny was employed at Riley’s Markets in Kirksville. In 1958, he started his employment with Mid-Central Frozen Foods in Kansas City, MO, which was later purchased by Sysco Food Services, Inc. based in Houston, TX. In 1965, he was transferred to Manhattan, KS where he and his family lived for 14 years. While living in Manhattan, Johnny was also involved in several different business ventures. In 1979, he was promoted to Management as a General Manager in Springfield, MO. In 1980, he was transferred to Oklahoma City, OK to manage that location along with Tulsa, OK. In 1983, Johnny was transferred back to the Kansas City office as Manager of National Accounts for the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. After 36 years with this company, Johnny retired and he and Evelyn moved to Florida, so that he could enjoy playing golf, playing in four different leagues each week and making many new friends. In 2003, due to Johnny’s health problems, he and Evelyn moved back home to Kirksville to be near family.

Johnny was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kirksville and past member of the Elks Lodge in Manhattan, KS, the Moose Lodge in Kirksville and several different Country clubs, including Kirksville, MO, Manhattan, KS, Kansas City, MO and Spring Hill, FL. Before leaving Kirksville in the 50’s and early 60’s, Johnny was president of several bowling leagues and was captain of the Lucky Lane’s Travel Team. He loved playing golf, always striving to be the best and his greatest joy was when his son’s and grandson traveled to Florida and he could play golf with them, always teaming with his grandson against his son’s. Having only two grandchildren, he was equally proud of each of them as they achieved their goals.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday (August 4, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with Marty Joplin presiding. Music selections “One Day At A Time” and “Peace In The Valley” will be provided by Connie Charles who will be accompanied by Dianthe Cable, organist. Interment will follow the service at Green Castle Cemetery in Green Castle, MO.

Family will receive friends on Saturday (August 4, 2012) one hour before service time in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Johnny Bell may be made to the First Baptist Church or to Twin Pines Adult Care Residents Christmas Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.