Charles "Chuck" Dean Bell

Charles Dean “Chuck” Bell, age 65, of rural Greenup, IL left this life peacefully doing what he loved on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.  He was born September 29, 1957 in Charleston, IL, the son of Edward Leo Bell and Betty L. Dillier Bell.  On August 22, 1976 he married Jane Montgomery at Providence Baptist Church in Charleston, IL. 

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Jane Bell of Greenup, IL; children, Selena Fritts (Kristopher) of New Palestine, IN; Lacey Watkins (Jay) of Greenup, IL and Jacob Dean Bell (Cierra Settlemire) of Greenup, IL; grandchildren, Katie Fritts, Keegan Fritts, Wyatt Watkins, Rory Watkins, Hunter Bell, Rayce Bell and Colten Beabout; sister, Linda Daugherty of Charleston, IL; brother, Steve Bell (Sandy) of Charleston, IL; several nieces, nephews, cousins and his farming buddies, Dave Shoot and Justin Shoot.  He was preceded in death by his father, Edward L. Bell and mother, Betty L. Bell-Byers.

Chuck was a 1975 graduate of Cumberland High School.  He continued his education at Lake Land College, graduating with an associate degree in agriculture. Chuck was a faithful member of Salisbury Church in Hutton Twp., a member of Cumberland County Farm Bureau and received the Carnegie Medal of Heroism.

Chuck was a lifelong farmer; he loved farming, mowing, traveling, sitting on his back deck enjoying nature and watching the rain and joking with his family, always keeping them laughing.  He was an Illini fan and a big Chevrolet truck fan; his license plate 87 CORN and 89 CORN was known by everyone.  He enjoyed collecting Oliver and John Deere toy tractors.  Chuck always enjoyed meeting his cousins for breakfast at Yoder’s in Arthur, IL.  Most of all his love for his family was immeasurable; building a zipline for his grandchildren, making 4-wheeler trails through the woods, spending time with his grandchildren, attending their ballgames, watching them riding horses and receiving daily phone calls from his children was the highlight of his life (he was very concerned if he didn’t receive a phone call).   

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Michael Stewart and Pastor Ray Finney officiating.  Burial will follow in the Hurricane Cemetery, rural Charleston, IL.  Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service on Monday at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 680 Craig Road, #300, St. Louis, MO 63141.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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