Richard Jackson Bell, III

Richard Jackson Bell, III, age 84, of Boonville, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove, Missouri.

A visitation will be held from 10 – 11 A.M. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church in Boonville, with a Memorial Service to be held at 11 A.M. at the church.

Jack was born on January 20, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Richard and Etha (Kooyman) Bell, Jr. Richard graduated from Kirkwood High School. He served in the U.S. Navy after high school. He received his master’s degree in education from Indianola College in Iowa. He married Dorothy (Burke) in 1998 and they were married over 20 years at the time of her passing in 2018.

He served as Superintendent of the Boys Training School in Boonville, Missouri, Superintendent of the Sears Youth Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Professor at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. He also taught students with special needs in the Kansas City school district.

Jack was a well-rounded gentleman. He was very involved in the community. He was on the Board of Directors for the homeless shelter in Boonville, worked at the one in Kansas City, Missouri and was a member of the Cooper County Democrats. . Jack was the leader of the NAMI meetings in Boonville. He was also an Eagle Scout and a pilot. He was a member of the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church, Gideons, Masonic Lodge #36, He traveled on mission trips in Haiti and Africa and took a youth group to New Orleans to assist in the rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. He sang in the church choir and led Sunday School lessons.

Richard is survived by his son Richard “Rick” Bell IV and his wife Melita of Cuba, Missouri; ; daughters: Julie Ruble and her husband Ken of Springfield, and Georgia Norman and her husband Gary of Rogersville; grandchildren: Brandon, Richard, Garrett Bell , Robbie and Shane Franklin, Colten Norman, Cassidy, Carlie and Ely Stover; great granddaughter Jadyn Bell other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Etha Bell Jr.; wife Dorothy Bell; sisters: Judy and Janice.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Nelson Memorial United Methodists Church.

Online condolences may be left at: www.howardfh.com

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