Lewis Ronald Bell

Lewis Ronald Bell, 87, of Metamora, Illinois, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Snyder Village Health Center. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Trudy; three children, Tim (Kori) Bell of Valparaiso, IN, Barb (Tim) Mowers of Preble, NY, and Deb (John) Huffman of Belgrade, MT; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Louise Bell of Northbrook, IL, and a brother Philip (Nancy) Bell of Macomb, IL.

Lewis was born in Macomb, Illinois, on February 11, 1939, to Albert and Fern Bell. He learned about work at an early age helping his father on the family farm. As a teenager, he raised the grand champion steer winning the Avon Fat Steer Show in 1956. After graduating Avon High School, Lewis attended Western Illinois where he met his future wife, Trudy. He then transferred to the University of Illinois in Champaign graduating with a degree in agriculture. Desiring some training in Biblical studies, Lewis then moved to Dallas, TX to attend Dallas Theological Seminary. While in school Lewis and Trudy were married and she joined him in Dallas.

Two years later the young couple moved back to Trudy’s hometown of Erie, Illinois where he went to work for his father-in-law at Brown Implement Farm Services. While working full time jobs in Erie they were also very involved in their local church. Ministry was on Lewis’s heart, and with their growing family, they were soon involved holding Bible studies for high schoolers and back yard Bible Clubs for young children at their home in Erie. For several months Lewis led a group of young couples on Sunday evenings. Having now accepted a position as the pastor of a small struggling church, Lewis now moved the family to Griggsville, Illinois. Those young couples Lewis helped disciple, would soon form a new church, Erie Evangelical Free Church.

While in Griggsville for 12 years, Lewis led the church in building a new church building to replace the 100 year old non efficient building. During these years the family was also involved in the ministry of Camp Manitoumi in Low Point, Illinois. Soon, Lewis would answer the Lord’s call to become the Executive Director of the camp.

For 14 years Lewis would lead the ministry of Camp Manitoumi along with Trudy at his side. Many physical improvements to the camp and many lives have been changed for Christ‘s glory during those years. Retirement would bring more opportunities to serve in their local church in Germantown Hills until his physical body would not allow. Lewis and Trudy then made the move to Snyder Village where they have enjoyed the last four years.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Germantown Hills Baptist Church, 304 Schmitt Lane, Germantown Hills, Illinois with Pastor Mike Carlson officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am until time of his service also on Wednesday at the church. After the service all are invited to a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. On Thursday, February 26, 2026 his body will be laid to rest at 10:30 am in Babbitt Cemetery near Avon, IL, 2135 East Smokey Road, Saint Augustine, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Camp Manitoumi, 948 County Road 1800 North, Low Point, Illinois 61545. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

Camp Manitoumi, 948 County Road 1800 North, Lowpoint, IL 61545