"Sorry for your loss. Our families were neighbors back in the late 60's. Butch was a good man. May he Rest in Peace."
In loving memory of
Ora "Butch" Wayne Bell
January 7, 1950 - February 8, 2017
Ora "Butch" Bell, 67, of Keokuk, died Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at Great River Medical Center in Burlington, Iowa.
Ora was born on January 7, 1950, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Neal Wayne and Ora Adelle Waltman Bell. He was first married to Patsy Payne Bell and she preceded him in death. He was then partnered with Vicky Stephens and she survives. He was united in marriage to Lori Shumaker on October 30, 2000, in Keokuk. She survives.
Additional survivors include four sons: Michael and wife Jennifer Bell; Daniel and wife Kim Bell; David Bell and Lucy Leffler, and Steven Bell, all of Keokuk; two step-sons: Charles and wife Tricia Biddenstadt and Dustin Biddenstadt, all of Keokuk; three step-daughters: Lora and husband Karl Porter; Patty Washburn of Quincy; and Tabatha and husband Charles Russell of Keokuk. Other survivors include nineteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one brother Roy and wife Annie Bell of Keokuk; one uncle, Irvin Bell and Susie Osterloh of Hamilton, Illinois; three sisters-in-law: Amy Smith of Canton, Missouri; Kerry Bell of Hamilton, Illinois; and Korenda Bell of Keokuk; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, a sister Addie Bell, three brothers: Richard Smith, Bryan and Charles Bell, his mother and father-in-law, a nephew, two great-nieces, and one great nephew.
Butch was a member of New Beginnings Church, Tri-State Dive Team, Keokuk and Hamilton Ambulance, Watchdog security, and Keokuk Jaycees. He enjoyed going camping, hunting and fishing and spending time with friends.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at 11 AM on Monday, February 13, 2017, at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers at 917 Blondeau Street in Keokuk. Brother Bill Hauser and Pastor Bob Payne will officiate. Burial will follow at Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 3 to 7 PM, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 PM.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Tributes
"Mr and Mrs Kevin Sparrow"
"We are sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Butch was a good hearted man he will be missed."
"I was lucky enough to know Butch for a number of years through Jaycees and Watchdog Security. He and the entire Bell family were some of the hardest workers I have ever been associated with. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to all of his family."
"Dan, Kim and the entire Bell family, You are in our prayers as you walk down this path. Hold tight to the sweet memories. They will make this time easier. Prayers for all."