He was born in Urbana Illinois, April 19, 1934 the son of Charles Raymond and Lulu Mae (Stier) Bell Sr. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a general engineering degree.
Charles married Sharleen Darling in California, April 3, 1964 and she survives. Also surviving are his two sons: Charles Raymond “Ray” (wife Susan) Bell III of Godfrey, IL and Jon C. Bell of Springfield, IL, his daughter, Debbie (Jeff) Fickbohm of Rogersville, MO. He has five grandchildren: Nick (wife Devyn) Bell of Baldwin, MO, Nathan J. Bell of Godfrey, IL, Megan J. (fiancé Brent Pruitt) Bell of Charleston, SC, Brianna Fickbohm-Ford of Springfield, MO and Annika Fickbohm of Rogersville, MO. Also surviving are his two sisters; Barbara Bloom of San Diego, CA and Brenda Holthoff of Foley, AL, his brother Tom (wife Beverly) Bell of Normal, IL and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents and a granddaughter, Alyssa Bell preceded him in death.
Charles served as manager of public water supply with the State of Illinois Environmental Agency for many years, retiring in 1999. He was a master gardener and a member of both the Jerome Garden Club and the Springfield Garden Club. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church ELCA in Springfield.
Cremation Rites will be accorded by the Bisch Crematory.
A private memorial gathering and service will be held at Bisch Funeral Home West. Pastor Greg Busboom will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorials to the St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Animal Protective League.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
