Gerald Bell

Gerald (Jerry) Bell passed away on Nov. 24, 2020, at the age of 90. He was born in 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Arthur and Juanita Bell.

He spent his childhood in Kennett, Missouri, where he attended Kennett North School for 12 years and played on the basketball and football teams. Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1949, including serving overseas in the Free Territory of Trieste, and from 1951 to 1952 in the military police in Kansas City during the Korean War. He worked for the Borden Company's Dairy Division in Kennett and then Cape Girardeau Distribution Manager for 39 years.

Jerry had two passions in his life -- his family and his service to God. He married Wilma Jelks in 1951 and they were together for 70 years. They raised four children and their family grew to include seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was always there for any member of the extended family whether helping them to get a job, to move,or to rescue them in the middle of the night if their car broke down. Jerry was raised in a Christian home and gave his life to God in 1957. He served the Lord in many capacities over the years including as head usher and president of the men's fellowship. He drove a van to pick up the elderly and college students who were otherwise unable to get to church. He was active with the youth, including the Royal Ranger program. Jerry was a role model for his family and community. He exemplified love of God, love of family, marital partnership, honesty, integrity and service to others.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Arthur; mother, Juanita; great-granddaughter, Gabriella; and brother-in-law, J.W.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma; their four children, Jeannie, Jerry (Tommy), Greg (John), and David (Brian); seven grandchildren, Melanie (Shane), Joshua (Teresa), Matthew (Danielle), Jeremy (Molly), Geoffrey (Brandy), Christian (Sara), and Casey (Hank); 18 great-grandchildren, Angelina, Lila, Christa, Maura, Lola, Camden, Andrew, Zoe, Phoebe, Audrey, Emma, Samantha, Jessica, Zachary, Brooklyn, Charlee, Lesleigh and Elijah; brother: Doug (Norma); sister, Donna (Les); and brothers-in-law, Bill (Bonnie), Bob (Sue), Ted (Jean) and Jim (Wanda).

A private memorial service for immediate family will be held Wednesday at McDaniel's Funeral Home in Kennett. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Other family and friends may watch the service on McDaniel's Funeral Home's facebook page. A recording of the service will also be available on the Facebook page for those not able to participate live.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett will be in charge of the arrangements.