Mason ‘Mace’ Bell
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| Mason "Mace" Bell |
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ROCK FALLS — Mason “Mace” Bell, 91, of Rock Falls died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2012, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.
Mace was born June 17, 1921, in Sterling, to George and Marie (Wentling) Bell.
He married Delores Kolb on April 14, 1942, in Rock Falls, and was a member of First Christian Church in Rock Falls. He served in the Air Force during World War II, and moved to Rock Falls in 1946 after graduating from Sterling High School.
On Nov. 16, 1947, he joined Rock Falls Christian Church, where he served as Superintendent, Deacon, Elder on the Board of Trustees and a member of the Men’s Club, always helping in any way possible. His faith never wavered and he lived his life according to the Golden Rule.
He was a board member of Coloma Goodfellows, the first Sterling Rock Falls Day Care Center, Rock Falls Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, Rock Falls American Legion, Kiwanis Club and Self Help Enterprises, and he served on the committee to get Eureka College accredited. Mace worked tirelessly with his children’s activities, which also included the Indian Guides and Princesses.
Mace also was a member of Rock Falls District 13 school board. He was an alderman and was appointed mayor upon the death of Mayor Jim Arduini.
He was a driving force in securing funds and making the Rock Falls hydro plant come to fruition. He was well known in Springfield, having friends in the district, county and city governments.
Mace constantly worked to help the community, because he believed we would all be better by working together. He was recognized by the IA-IL District Kiwanis as Lay Person of the Year Spiritual Aims Award, and was a Rock Falls Shoulder to the Wheel American Legion Certificate of Recognition recipient, among others.
Mace was devoted to his church. That devotion led to his greatest accomplishments, his marriage to Delores for 70 years, his children Connie, Todd and Randy, his grandchildren and beloved dog Koado. His spirit lives on through them.
Survivors include his wife; Delores, of Rock Falls; son Randy Bell of Rock Falls; daughter Connie (Gary) Sullivan of Sterling; brothers Harlan (Janice) Bell of Rock Falls and Denny Bell of Missouri; sisters June Teachout of Sterling and Joyce Myers of Rock Falls; and grandchildren Quinn Bell of DeKalb, Dr. Logan Bell of Chicago, Shane Sullivan of Springfield, and Cale Hand of Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gene; and son Todd.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at First Christian Church in Rock Falls. Military rites will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Ave., Rock Falls, IL 61071.
McDonald Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.
