SFC (Ret) Joseph LeRoy Bell

SFC (Ret) Joseph LeRoy Bell, son of the late Clenneth and Rose (Pepper) Bell, was born October 14, 1940 in Addison, Michigan. Joe passed away Friday, November 4, 2016 in his home having attained the age of seventy-six years and twenty-one days. As a young boy, Joe grew up in Manitou Beach, Michigan and entered the United States Army in 1959. While serving in the military, Joe attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star, Bronze Star Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendations Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Expert Qualification Badge M16 and Expert Qualification Badge M14, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He retired in 1980 after twenty years of service. While in the military, Joe met Mi Suk Kim and they were united in marriage on April 26, 1962 in Seoul, Korea. They were blessed with one son, John William Bell. Mi Suk passed away on July 2, 1995. On February 14, 1996, Joe was united in marriage to Kyong Ok (Pok) Bell in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over twenty years together. After retiring from the military, Joe continued to serve his country as a civil service employee in the DOC Logistics Department until he retired in 2003. For 8 ½ years, Joe drove a school bus for the Waynesville R-VI School District. Joe had made an important decision in his life, accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville and attended until his health began to decline. Joe will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Kyong Bell of the home; one son: John W. Bell and wife Christine of Waynesville, MO; two step-daughters: Sharell Cureton and husband Donovan of St. Robert, MO and Sharnell Bush and husband Montrey of Ft. Gordon, GA; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 10, 2016 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Dr. Dennis Crowder and Chaplain James Steelman officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

SFC (Ret) Joseph LeRoy Bell

October 14, 1940 - November 4, 2016