Obituaries: Bell

Posted on February 6, 2017

Victor Bell

Victor E. Bell, 86, Chenoa, died at 8:54 a.m. Feb. 5 at Evenglow Inn, Pontiac.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Chenoa with Pastor Deb Honegger officiating. Burial will be in Chenoa Twp. Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Chenoa VFW.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa and 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. The family suggests memorials be given to Evenglow Inn, Pontiac; Chenoa Historical Society; or United Methodist Church, Chenoa.

Vic was born May 26, 1930 in Ashmore the son of Oris Frank and Minnie Rose Henry Bell. He married Shirley A. Merimee on Dec. 18, 1954 in Charleston. She preceded him in death on July 29, 2012.

Survivors include two sons, Jay B. Bell, Forrest, Doug E (Tina Fitzsimmons) Bell, Chenoa, one daughter, Dee A. (Tim) Mallory, Fairbury, seven grandchildren, Joey, Kelli, and Sam Bell, Stephanie (Shannan) Smithson, Josh Bell, Morgan and Clay Mallory, three great grandchildren, Konnor, Kaden and Kara Smithson.

He is preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Shirley Bell and an infant son Greg.

Vic served in the US Army during the Korean War. He attended and graduated with Bachelor and Master degrees from Eastern Illinois University. In 1957 he began teaching Industrial Arts at the Chenoa School District until his retirement in 1994.

He was a class sponsor 13 years, Student Council Advisor four years, National Honor Society Advisor 13 years, served on the Evaluation Committee, Principal’s Advisory Council, IAA Advisor, president of the U.C.E.A. Negotiations Committee several times and Vocational Coordinator for Chenoa Schools.

Vic was named Teacher of the Year in 1975 and Outstanding Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year in 1976.

He was named Chenoan of the Year in 1986, 4^th of July Parade Grand Marshal in 1987 and they were named Mr. and Mrs. Chenoa 4^th of July in 2006.

Vic was a CASA ambulance driver for nine years, drove school bus for Chenoa School District for many years, a member of the Chenoa United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Board and Board of Trustees, Chenoa Historical Society, served as secretary on the Chenoa Library Board, Cornbelt Library and secretary and past president of the Coin Club.

An online guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

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