Lee Earl Bell, 81 of Aledo, went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2023. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 27, at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, Aledo. Burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 26, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County Ag Society or College Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Lee was born the son of Murray Lee and Nellie D. (Kell) Bell on February 2, 1942, in Moline, Illinois. He grew up in the Swedona area until 1954, then lived outside of Aledo on the family farm, until his death. Lee and Linda Lemon were married on June 12, 1965, in Aledo.
Lee had a love of farming. He enjoyed being outside and fishing at his pond. He also loved hunting when he was younger. Lee was an avid reader of western novels. In later years, he worked for Loving Plumbing and Heating.
Lee was a member of various organizations including being a 50-year Mason; Mercer County Fair Board, where he was Superintendent of the Sheep Barn; Sheriff Merit Commission; Millersburg Township Board; Mercer County Farm Bureau Board; and Seaton Center Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder. He was currently a member of the College Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Lee is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda; daughters, Colleen (Ron) Hall of Knoxville and Joann (Rod) Vose, of Springfield; five granddaughters, Sarah (Michael) Swanson, Kelly (Kyle Bouska) Hall, Kathleen (Jake) Fetzner, Aleah Vose, and Alyson Vose; two great-granddaughters, Elena and Lora; a sister, Marilyn Swanson of Geneseo; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Grace Puffinbarger and Martha Wagner.