1935
2016
John "Jack/Buck" Bell, 81, of Chatham, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at his home.
He was born on May 29, 1935 in Fairbury, NE, the son of the late Harold C. and Esther (Scott) Bell. He married Sharron Lea Smith in Springfield on June 24, 1956 and she preceded him in death on April 27, 2011.
John retired as the Head Engineer for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Hotel in Springfield, and had previously worked for the State of Illinois, Auby and Associates, and Heritage House. John was very knowledgeable about machinery and would fix anything. He was always willing to help others. He volunteered at Midwest Mission Distribution Center, repairing sewing machines. He was a former member of Rochester Christian Church in Rochester, IL, and sang with the "Ambassadors", through that church, but was most recently a very active member at West Side Christian Church in Springfield, where he actively participated in the TNT Bible Class and the Wednesday morning Men's Bible Study. He also sang in the Faithful Men chorus. He had also previously served as a volunteer firefighter in Sherman, IL.
He is survived by his 2 children, Sherri (husband Tim) Talbert, and Kevin (wife Diane) Bell, both of Chatham, IL; 3 grandchildren, Jessica Talbert, Megan (husband Eric) Grewing, and Scott (wife Brittney) Snider; 2 great-grandchildren, J.D. Snider and Henley Grewing; 3 siblings, Beverly (husband Dave) Pearson of Matherville, IL, Vicki (husband John) Wakefield of Tennessee, and Timothy (wife Kathy) Bell of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.
Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, where visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 from 4 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at 10 am at the funeral home, with Gary Winkelman officiating. A private interment at Chatham Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Chatham Fire Department, #1 Fireman's Sq, Chatham, IL 62629, or to Forever Home Feline Ranch.
Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bisch Funeral Home.
January 4, 2017
Kevin Cory
I enjoyed working with your dad at the Heritage House way back when. He was a hoot!
January 3, 2017
Darrell & Dorothy Hill
Dear Kevin,Sherrie, and Family,
Was a great Blessing in our lives to have met your dad and mom. Darrell worked with your dad at Rochester Christian Church in 1979 and the Heritage House in the 80's. Your dad was a wonderful example of love.
The last time we visited with Jack he shared many parts of his life with us how he became a Christian, meeting your mom were he worked how he has filled the days since your mom's passing and how he loves his children and grandchildren.
Our Prayers and love to all the family.
May we all have a rejoice home going like your dad and mom.
January 3, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 3, 2017
andrew fitzgibbon
John always had an encouraging comment, a thoughtful remark and a genuine smile. It was a joy and honor to be one of his pastors. Love and joy overflowed from him. I grieve for our loss, but I rejoice at his home-going.
January 2, 2017
John Carter
Jack was a good friend and a supportive elder when I served as minister at Lakeside Christian Church in the early 1970's. My sincere sympathy to his children who were just youngsters when I knew them. Jack was a real doer.
John Carter
January 2, 2017
"Buck" was a wonderful person...He will be missed by many...I worked with him at the hotel for many years and was Dir. of Human Resources after his good friend Karen Kern...Prayers for all of you
Carolyn DeLay
January 2, 2017
Sorry about your loss Your Dad was a good kind man
Butch Huddleston(HH) St.Pete Fl
January 1, 2017
Rick Striplin
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. RIP Buck, engineer extraordinaire.
January 1, 2017
K. Cavanaugh
I worked with him years ago at the hotel...great person..
My condolences .
Thoughts and prayers..
January 1, 2017
My sympathies to the family on Jack's passing. I had reacquainted myself with Jack, Sharon, and Mr. Bell while taking care of Mrs. Bell some years ago.
Mary Ann (White) Tharp
January 1, 2017
Beulah *Koehler) White
What a wonderful time of the year for Jack to be in the arms of His LORD. Sympathy to the family. I listened to his singing many times over many years.
January 1, 2017
Dale Conaway
Saddened to learn of Jack's passing. I was in the choir with Jack at Rochester Christian Church. My deepest sympathies to his family.
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