VIRGIL BELL

MINER, Mo. -- Virgil Wayne Bell, 87, of Miner and formerly of Charleston, Mo., died Friday, Dec. 15, 2000, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

He was born Dec. 25, 1912, in Allen, Texas, son of Herbert Lee and Vadna Johnson Bell. He and Anna F. Mansker were married Dec. 31, 1956. She died April 13, 1999.

He lived in Charleston since 1955, was a member of the Miner Baptist Church and was a retired U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Kay Bell Gray of Houston; one stepson, Allen Small of Sikeston; two step daughters, Jackie C. Small Mays and Jane E. Small Slaten, both of Charleston; two grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. Mitchell Jackson will officiate. U.S. Army personnel from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., will conduct full military graveside rites. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.