Leon Duane Bell

Leon Duane Bell, son of the late Dallas and Dorothy (Hosier) Bell, was born Jan. 8, 1956, in Wichita, Kan. He departed this life on May 23, 2024, at his home near Mountain Grove, Missouri, where he grew up, surrounded by his loving family singing hymns. He fought a courageous battle with lung cancer and now has victory over death through knowing Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Leon grew up in Mountain Grove and graduated with the Mountain Grove High School Class of 1974. He was united in marriage to Irma Bass on April 30, 1983, in Mountain Grove. Three children were born to this union. Leon was a beloved husband, father, papa, uncle, brother and friend. He was known by his friends as “Beagle.” He dedicated 50 years of his life to remodeling, carpentry, and construction where he was respected for his work ethic and skills. He enjoyed attending services at Southside Church of Christ, raising German Shepherd dogs at his home, hunting and playing a game of pool.

Besides his parents, Leon was preceded in death by one sister-in-law, Juanita Bell. Leon is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Irma Marie Bell; devoted children, Joshua David Bell, Jessica Anne Jelken and husband, David L. Jelken and Kayla Marie Bell; cherished grandchildren, David N. Jelken and Azalee Grace Jelken; sisters, Eula Richardson and husband, Jim, Edna Tuttle, and Doris “Cissy” Johnson and husband, Wayne; brothers, Dallas “Eugene” Bell and Tony Bell; seven nephews; five nieces; and many other family and friends that will miss him deeply. Funeral services for Leon Bell were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024 in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove with Bro. Ralph Strunk officiating. Special songs were “Amazing Grace,” “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “This World Is Not My Home” and “Oh Come, Angel Band.” Serving as pallbearers were Dallas Eugene Bell, Tony Glen Bell, Denny Schilling, Brad McGowen, Chester Lee Bass and Danny Gilley. Honorary pallbearers were Shane Alexander, David Lawrence Jelken, Edward Blackburn and Glenn McKinley. Burial was in the Eaton Cemetery in Ozark County under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online Condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.