MADISONVILLE – Steven Bedford Bell, of Madisonville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Deaconess Hospital at the age of 77. Born December 9, 1943, in Sturgis, to the late William and Ellen Bell. He was a warehouse clerk at Drake 2 Mines. Steve served our country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from April 1962 to July 1965. He was a member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where he was an active deacon for 45 years. He was a proud Christian and loved sharing the gospel and possibly a song or two. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Gary Bell.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Rita Claire Farthing Bell, who he married in Sturgis on February 24, 1962; his brother, Billy Bell. Steve is lovingly remembered by his four sons, Jeff (Cindy) Bell, Matt (Amy) Bell, Andy (Callie) Bell, and Aaron (Ashley) Bell. His house was always filled with laughter from the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Tyler (Kim), Ben (Sommer), Trevis (fiancee’ Makayla), Caitlynn, Braeden, Lily Kate, Jaden, Addison “Kessie bear”, Finley, Easton, Cooper, Owen, Blakely, Rhett, Henry, and Emmi Claire. This may look like a long list, but Steve loved each person in his family with his whole heart. His life revolved around the family he and Rita built and he was very proud of every accomplishment they had.
Funeral services will be Friday, September 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, with Bro. Ryan Miller officiating, assisted by Matthew Bell and Andrew Bell. Burial in Ebenezer Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday after 10:00AM at the church. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
