Gale Dale Bell

1947 - 2025

Gary Dale Bell, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Iola, Texas, on February 24, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born in Kirksville, Missouri, on October 13, 1947, to Charles and Imogene (Neely) Bell and graduated from Adair County R-I High School in Novinger in 1965. Then, he attended Northeast Missouri State College (now Truman State University) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Biology in 1969. After graduating, he taught secondary science classes at Reynolds County Schools in Ellington, Missouri. There, his love affair with the Ozark National Scenic Riverways began where he spent many years vacationing with his family and friends.

While still enrolled in college, he enlisted in officer training for the United States Marine Corps in 1968 and received an honorable discharge before enlisting in the United States Air Force in August 1969. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and specialized training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. After training, he served as a medical service specialist in the medical-surgical and OBGYN wards at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton, Missouri, and Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1973, he returned to Missouri with his family. There, he taught biology and chemistry at West Nodaway County High School in Burlington Junction, Missouri, before returning to Novinger to run cattle and farm corn and soybeans with his father-in-law. In 1983, he earned a Master of Arts in School Administration at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) and completed coursework for a specialist degree in School Administration in 1985. He also enjoyed a lengthy career as a Rural Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service in Novinger where he served for over twenty-five years.

He was a longtime member of the Novinger Baptist Church, where he was the Chair of the Trustees and taught Sunday School and Training Union. He also served as President of the Adair County R-I School Board for several years as well as the Novinger Cemetery Board. He wed Kathy Montgomery on May 31, 1969, and two children (Kristy and Angela) were born of the union. On December 2, 1996, he was united in marriage to Susan (Nagel) Jackson, and they enjoyed 28 years together.

Gary loved camping, fishing, and living on a farm where he raised cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and chickens at various times. He was an avid animal lover, including his dog Loki and cat Precious. He spent many happy years trout fishing at Montauk State Park and finding "rocks with character" at Alley Spring in the Missouri Ozarks before retiring to Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Susan (Nagel) Bell; daughters, Kristy (Bell) Wade-Carroll and husband Larry of Katy, Texas, and Angela Bell of Houston, Texas; mother, Imogene (Neely) Bell of Novinger, Missouri; sister, Carolyn (Bell) Osgood of Lee's Summit, Missouri; brother, Bill Bell and wife Cathy of Novinger and Lee's Summit, Missouri; stepdaughter, Melissa (Jackson) Jerome and husband Kevin of St. Charles, Missouri; stepson, Brian Jackson and wife Marilyn of Peoria, Arizona; grandsons, Christian Wade, John Wade, and Troy Jerome; granddaughters, Carissa Jackson and Alexis Jackson; and great-grandson Kaison Garland; as well as multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Bell; his son-in-law, Bruce Wade; infant grandson, Raymond Frank Jerome; infant twin granddaughters, Rachel Michelle Jerome and Heather Nicole Jerome; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will take place on Friday, March 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at the Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri on Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Darrell Crooks presiding. Interment will be immediately following at the Novinger Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Gary may be made to the Novinger Cemetery Association, Adair County Humane Society, or the Adair County Historical Society. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.