Paul M. Bell

Paul M. “Mike” Bell, 64, passed away at 6:48am on Thursday, May 15, 2014, in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 8, 1949, in Alton, Illinois the son of the late Richard “Dick” and Patricia (Worcester) Bell. He married the former Lisa Williams on June 25, 1974, in Edwardsville, Illinois and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter and son in law: Heather and Brock Hendricks of Alton, one son and daughter in law: Corey and Melissa Bell of Godfrey, six grandchildren: Jaxson Hendricks, Carter Hendricks, Brody Hendricks, Jayden Bell, Kamryn Bell, Lawson Bell, and one sister: Mary Ann Bell of Wood River. He was formerly employed at Worcester & Bell Construction Company in Wood River. He was a commander for the Wood River American Legion Post 204. He was a paid on call fireman for the City of Wood River for 25 years. He was also on the arson squad, where he received an award for solving an arson. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Rosewood Heights. He was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served from 1969 to 1973. He was a former member of the Wood River Rotary. He loved his grandkids dearly and was the best pawpaw to them. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 3pm to 7pm on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Monday, May 19, 2014, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Rosewood Heights. Pastor Daryl Fansler will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton with full military rites by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton. Memorials are suggested to the Wood River American Legion Post 204 or to the Wood River Fire Department.