Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Kevin Bell Obituary
Kevin Garrett Bell of Roscoe, IL passed away suddenly on June 6th. He was a light to all who knew him. Kevin brought joy to everyone's day with his smile. He will be dearly missed. Kevin was born in February 1986 in Rockford, IL. He was the beloved son of Charlie Bell (deceased) and Nannette Bell. Survived by Kathy Byrne (sister), Patrick Byrne (brother-in-law), Evelyn Byrne (niece), many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Kevin felt most at home on horseback. He loved riding at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and did so for 30 years. For several years he competed in Special Olympics events for dressage, English equitation, and trails - and won numerous medals. He shared a special bond with his horse, Neal.
Kevin was an active member of the Riverside Community Church in Machesney Park, IL. He loved his church and church family with all his heart. He enjoyed singing in the church choir. Every Christmas season he played the role of the loyal Shepard in the church's drive-through live nativity scene.
Kevin was a member of Boy Scout Troop 643 and became an Eagle Scout in May 2013. His service project was near and dear to his heart – he led a team that revived the Riverside Community Church's Memorial Garden. In his earlier years as a boy scout volunteered at the boy scout summer camp in Janesville for several years.
Kevin was a sports enthusiast. He loved watching NASCAR racing, the Cubs, and all things Peyton Manning. Kevin was an avid bowler and participated in a bowling league at Viking Lanes in South Beloit for several years. He could run circles around everyone with his knowledge of sports trivia and statistics. He ran a bragging rights only Football pool at school. Only staff members could participate, and it was an honor to be included.
Kevin attended Hononegah High School and loved it so much he began working in the discipline office during his final years of school. He continued to work at the school for another 17 years. He loved all things Hononegah sports and received the Super Fan Award in September 2013. He took great pride and joy running the flag down the football field. He also helped coached the student faculty basketball games.
Kevin worked as a Store Clerk at Schnucks in Roscoe, IL for 17 years. You could often find him stocking shelves in the store – the produce aisle was a favorite. During break time he could be found playing card games with his coworkers – winner got a can of pop. He loved connecting with the community daily.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding in Poplar Grove, IL, https://braveheartsriding.org/donations/donate/ or Illinois Special Olympics, https://www.soill.org/ways-to-give/ to continue to honor his legacy.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021 in Riverside Community Church, 6816 N 2nd St, Machesney Park, IL with Pastor Bobby Sheets officiating. Cremation Rites to be Accorded. The Bell family will receive friends at McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd. Rockton, IL from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday.
Livestream link: https://my.gather.app/remember/kevin-bell.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Bell
Sponsored by McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton.
Drew Hallett
July 18, 2021
I mentored Kevin at Stone Creek School when he was in 3rd grade. About once a week, we went to the computer lab, where I showed him how to paint on the computer. Once he learned the ropes, his enthusiasm could not be contained. He loved to doodle and paint. Whenever I am feeling cynical, I will remember Kevin and his positive energy.
Sandy Mulvey
June 12, 2021
I have so many special memories with Kevin from years at Hononegah and also Bravehearts. We shared a love of horses, and he always brought me his riding pattern that he would be expected to perform in the Special Olympics, and I proudly showed up to watch him execute it and receive his medal(s)! Such a joy. I then began volunteering at Bravehearts when I retired from teaching and was able to witness his lessons on Wednesdays, and we had SO much fun! He was just an overall outstanding young man with a great sense of humor and a contagious smile who will be dearly missed by so many! Every single week, the last thing he said to me on his way out was "Behave!" I am sure going to miss that! My deepest condolences to Nanette, Kathy and family. May you find comfort in the unending joy that Kevin spread with his mere presence.
Richard Leonard
June 11, 2021
This is Richard [ Dick} LEONARD I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH KEVIN ABOUT 10 YEARS > JOHN MILLER AND I ALWAYS HAD A THING WITH KEVIN ABOUT SNEAKING UP BEHIND HIM AND TAPPING HIM ON HIS SHOULDER HE WOULD ALWAYS TAP US BACK !!! I AM 80 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER MET ANYONE LIKE HIM HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND NEVER HAD A BAD DAY I WISH I COULD SAY THAT!!!!! I BELEIVE BOB HOPE SAYS IT BEST WHEN HE SAID THANKS FOR THE MEMORYS MAY GOD BE WITH THE FAMILY KEVIN RIP THANKS DICK LEONARD
Kim Bruno
June 11, 2021
My son bowled with Kevin a couple of years ago on a Saturday league at Viking Lanes. He was so encouraging to my son when he would get a gutter. Kevin would tell him it's ok and next time you will get them. Kevin would encourage my son to keep trying. Kevin will be dearly missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Daniel Torrisi
June 11, 2021
It was my privilege and honor to be Kevin’s fifth grade teacher. I believe I learned as much from Kevin as her learned from me. I hope that he learned that year the meaning of love, kindness, acceptance, laughter, joy and that it was okay to be exactly who he is and was, a very special person, loved by all who knew him. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Kevin. He will be missed, however I believe that he is now safely in heaven, smiling, running, laughing, talking clearly and waiting with open arms for all of us who knew him. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Fred and Micki Penington
June 11, 2021
Nannette,
We are all saddened by this loss.
Kevin will always hold a place in our hearts. Playing dominoes will never be the same.
Cathy
June 10, 2021
I am so sad to hear this. Kevin will be in my heart always. He always rode his bike over to visit! He played with my son Jagger when he was young. I looked forward to my visits with Kevin. One time that really sticks out is when he was out of breath from hurrying over to tell me the news! He was going to be an Uncle! So very happy!!! I will pray for peace for the family. Im always here if u need me! Sincerely, your neighbor and friend, Cathy M
Dave Hickman
June 10, 2021
Kevin was in choir with me all 4 years. He was an awesome guy. He will be missed. Last time I saw him he reminded me that my team the Packers sucked. He made you smile every time you interacted with him. Fly high with the angles my friend. We shall see you again. Condolences to his mother and family as well.
June 9, 2021
Marty, Paula and Nicole Dreger
June 9, 2021
Nannette and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I will remember Kevin running around Schnucks with a smile and lots of enthusiasm in his step. He was a wonderful young man. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! You will be in our prayers.
Megan Perry
June 9, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Brenda Kerchner-Witte
June 9, 2021
God Bless you Kevin. I enjoyed working with you at the store. Such a kind sweet person.
Maggie Zimmerman
June 8, 2021
Kevin will be greatly missed!! We will keep the family in our prayers. We are here if you need anything.
Mike and Tracy Swanson
June 8, 2021
It was always such a joy to see Kevin at Schnucks or in the neighborhood! He always went out of his way to say hello to us, and his natural happiness was evident. We are so very saddened to hear about his passing - rest in peace Kevin. Thank you for being a part of our neighborhood and our life.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Kevin Bell's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Kevin Bell
Jun
11
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL 61072
How to support Kevin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kevin Bell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
