courtesy of the Sorden-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services

Darrel Bell, 84, of Lone Tree, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Florida. Funeral services for Darrel will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2014, at the Lone Tree American Legion. Pastor Rick Crooks will preside, assisted by Cluster Coordinator Carol Kaalberg. Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Brian Bell, Brad Bell, Katie Bell, Heather Swanson, Andy Bell, Matt Bell, Steff Drey, Joe Forbes, Sarah Pourroy, Justin Bell, Chad Bell, Nicholas Saltzman, Curtis Patterson, and Kylie Patterson. Following the interment, there will be a time of food and fellowship at the American Legion. Visitation for Darrel will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Lone Tree American Legion. A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Darrel. Online condolences for the Bell family may be sent to www.lewisfuneralhomes.com. The Sorden-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Darrel's arrangements and his family.

Darrel Ross Bell was born on May 19, 1929, in rural West Liberty, the son of Charles Stern and Edith Mae (Walker) Bell. He was a graduate of Conesville High School. On December 23, 1949 he married Shirley Irwin in Conesville. After Shirley's passing, Darrel was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Bixby on March 15, 1987 in Muscatine. He was a board member of Grace United Church of Christ in Conseville and Louisa County Farm Bureau. Darrel took great pride in helping to maintain the church. He was the owner/operator of Bell's Melons and he farmed in rural Louisa, Muscatine, and Johnson Counties. Darrel enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, playing cards, riding his bicycle through the home addition in Florida. He also enjoyed riding his John Deere Lawn Mower and caring for the Golden Pond Subdivision.

Darrel will be deeply missed by his wife, Carolyn of Lone Tree; his children, Tom Bell and wife, Terri, of Lone Tree, Tim Bell and wife, Jacque, of Lone Tree, Cindy Forbes and husband, Steve, of Lone Tree, Kevin Bell and wife, Lynn, of Lone Tree, Todd Saltzman and wife, Mary Ellen, of Lone Tree, Tami Patterson and husband, Todd, of Lone Tree; fourteen grandchildren; twenty eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Susan Vaughn of California.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Vernon Bell, Fred Bell, Charlie Bell, Lawrence Bell, Dorothy DeMean, Pat Griffin, Darlene Wrigley, Jimmy Bell; wife, Shirley Bell; and granddaughter, Darla Bell.