George Ronald Bell

George R. Bell, 79, of Chatham, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015 at his home. He was born January 6, 1936, in Paris, IL to George and Clarisie Vice Bell. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 1 sister. George married Sally Ann Melton, November 8, 1958. He was an Army veteran, serving from 1954-1957. George retired from banking and finance, after many years of service with Crown Finance, Bank of Pawnee, Chatham Community Bank, and Associates Financial. After retirement, Mr. Bell enjoyed driving the bus for Ball Chatham School District. He enjoyed woodworking and was known for having a big heart�he was a giver and enjoyed helping others. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Sally; son, Mark Bell of Chatham; daughter, Kristi (Ed) Waidmann of Florissant, MO; grandchildren, Nick (Brandi) Way, William (Lauren) Way all of Nashville, TN, and Patrick Bell of Ft. Walton, FL; great grandson, Collin Way of Nashville, TN; sister, Elizabeth Englum of Paris, IL. Prayer vigil will be conducted at 3:45pm, Thursday, before visitation from 4-7pm, Thursday, March 26, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham. Visitation will be held from 9am until the funeral mass at 10am, Friday, at St. Joseph the Worker, 700 East Spruce Street, Chatham. Fr. Dennis Kollross will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chatham Fire Protection District, 1 Fireman Place, Chatham, IL 62629, or Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorsproject.org , PO Box 75817, Topeka, KS, 66675.