Thomas Junior Bell, 79, of Glenaire, Mo., passed away December 27, 2008, at his home. Mr. Bell retired in 1992 from the Missouri State Highway Department, where he had worked as a Survey Crewman since 1954. He grew up in Benton County, Missouri and graduated from Warsaw High School. He served with the US Army in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1952 and received two Purple Hearts and numerous other decorations. Mr. Bell was a charter member of the Hosanna Lutheran Church and served on the Board of Directors of Glenaire, Missouri several times.

He enjoyed gardening and shared his garden with family and friends. He spoke softly and listened strongly. He will be remembered as a small gentle giant and passes these words on to family and friends: …"It'll be alright!"

Mr. Bell was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of the home; daughters, Cora (Brad) Rodick of Kansas City, Mo., and Connie (Dale) Yazell of Gladstone, Mo.; a sister, Nadine Farnsworth of Sun City, Ariz.; grandchildren, Alma, Joe, and Jason Rodick, Christy Yazell, and Cindy Yazell-Rech; great grandchildren, Zackery, Isaiah, and Carson Rodick, and Calina Zoe Rech. Funeral Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Hosanna Lutheran Church, Liberty, Mo. Visitation will precede the services at the church from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Interment in the Glenridge Cemetery, Liberty. The family suggest contributions be made to the Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2800 "A" Highway, Liberty, MO 64068 in memory of Mr. Bell. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com Arr.: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 119 E. Franklin, Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 781-2000.
Published in the Kansas City Star on 12/29/2008