Robert William Bell Sr.

Robert William Bell, Sr., 80, of Terre Haute, passed away on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Regional Hospital. He was born on February 25, 1938, in Terre Haute to Reverend Robert Thomas and Pauline Ada (Huffman) Bell. Robert is survived by his first wife, Des Lee B. Bell and their five children: Stephen W. Bell and wife Tracey M., Michael R. Bell and wife Mary E., David A. Bell and wife Ann M., Robert T. Bell and wife Bonnie L., all of Terre Haute, and Rhonda S. Leonard and husband Robbie H. of Anniston, AL. Robert is also survived by his second wife, Neoma McCarter and their son Robert William Bell, Jr., both of Terre Haute; sixteen grandchildren: Stephen Bell, Jessica Bell, Courtney Bell, Ashley Bell (Jerry), Angela Bell, Christopher Bell (Alyssa), Brittany Bell, Nicholas Bell, Caitlin Bell, Becky Hoover (Sam), Heather Reeves (John), Ryan Bell (Mercedes), Amber Moss (David), Dustin Leonard (Karolina), Caleb Bell, and Stephen C. Bell; great-grandchildren, Ryu L. Winter, Kayden I . Bell, Dominic N. Koenig, McKenzie J. Koenig, Aaliyah S. Koenig, Jackson A. Hoover, Braxton D. Williams, Adam P. Reeves, Owen R. Reeves, Hunter Leonard, Jonathan Leonard, and Christopher Leonard; brother Ray Bell and wife Connie of Mooresville; sister, Ruth Thompson and husband Chuck of West Terre Haute; aunts, Lorraine Young and Betty Sheese both of Terre Haute; granddogs, Max, Lucky, and Lucy Bell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Robert graduated from Gerstmeyer High School in 1958. He worked for many years at Stran Steel and at Wabash Valley Fibre Box. He then went to work at Walmart South in the maintenance department and eventually retired as a greeter. Our Dad loved to play guitar and sing, often times at a small church in Redman, Illinois that his dad, our papaw, Reverend Robert T. Bell was the pastor at so many years ago. One of our favorites he used to play and sing was “Why Me Lord” by Chris Christofferson. In later years, our dad attended Kings Harvest Foursquare Gospel Church with Des Lee. An avid sports fan, Robert’s favorite teams were the Indiana Hoosiers, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. He was also a big fan of Larry Bird. He was a wonderful man, good father, and awesome grandfather. He will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 17 at Mattox-Wood Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 18, at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Leek officiating. Robert will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mattoxwood.com