Richard E. Bell

Richard E. Bell, 86, of Chatham, passed away at 12:10 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2018. Richard was born on December 4, 1931 in Buffalo, the son of Jesse Dean and Marie Cantrall Bell. He married Juanita Nita Bush on August 16, 1953 in Chatham. Richard was a graduate of Ball Township High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Richard worked in the dairy industry until he began his career in building materials in 1960. He retired in 1995, after 35 years of serving his loyal customers. Richard was a member of the Chatham American Legion Post 759, was one of the first coaches in Chatham for the Khoury League and was a past member of several bowling leagues. In his spare time, he had a passion for vegetable gardening and enjoyed hunting, bowling, cooking and watching the Cardinals and Cowboys play. He was preceded in death by his son, Marty Bell; his parents; one great-grandson, Joseph Grogan; and one brother, Harold Dean Bell. He is survived by his wife, Nita Bell of Chatham; two sons, Randy Bell of Springfield and Maury (wife, Deb) Bell of Chatham; two daughters, Connie (husband, Earl) Abner of Glenarm and Janine (husband, Nick) Nunes of Momence, IL; eight grandchildren, Laurie and Clinton (wife, Kim) Abner, Josh (wife, Tara) Bell, Jonah and Karah Bell, and Kayla, Paul and Kelsey Nunes; three great-grandchildren, Jessie and Jacob Grogan and Alex Gonzalez; one great-great-granddaughter, Evelyn Grogan; one aunt, Gladys Sommer; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8865 State Route 4, Chatham. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery with military honors accorded. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donors choice.