Robert Bell

Robert Thomas Bell, 75, of Charleston, IL went to be with our Lord at 6:15 pm on Oct. 29, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial service was held with military rites conducted by the Charleston VFW at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Central Christian Church, 915 W. Lincoln Ave. Charleston, IL. John McArthur ministered, and burial will be at a later date in the Oakland Cemetery. The Edwards Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Bob was born on February 12, 1934 at the family home in Oakland IL. He was the son of C. Reece Bell and Doris V. Goff-Bell. He married Carol Louise Maxwell on May 2, 1964 in Joliet, IL.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol of Charleston, IL; three sons, Major Robert Maxwell, Ret. USAF, and his wife Tami of Papillion, NE, Charles E. Bell J.D. and his wife Kristi of Chicago, IL, and Jon E. Bell and his wife Lynette of Mattoon, IL. Also, by
nine loving Grandchildren; Aaron Maxwell, Sarah Maxwell, Karli Bell, Charlie Bell, Jessi Bell, Eric Phillips, Hannah Bell, Nate Bell, and Andrew Bell; Also, his loving sister Marta Van Dyke and husband Lloyd of Vail, AZ, and two brothers "Butch" Rex Bell of Clearwater FL, and John Bell and his wife Patti of Charleston, IL. His Parents preceded him in death.

Bob was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War where he where he was an aviation metalsmith and coached diving and women’s basketball.

He had worked in the insurance business. He owned several antique stores in Charleston before retiring.

He was a member of the Central Christian Church, the Moose, the Masonic Lodge, the Charleston Country Club, and the American Legion.

He loved golf, poker and bowling but it was not until Bob was 65 that he had a hole in one and bowled a 300 game within one month.

In lieu of flowers, memorials were made to the Central Christian Church in Charleston or Lincolnland Hospice.