Mark Wayne Bell

Mark Wayne Bell, 64, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on September 22, 1961, in Carmi, Illinois, the son of Herbert and Anna May (VanVleck) Bell, Sr.

Mark loved hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting whitetail deer and turkeys, and he took great pride in teaching all his kids how to hunt and appreciate the outdoors as much as he did. On Sundays, he liked going down to the VFW where he had a good group of friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and spending time at the river. Mark truly loved his work and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. As the owner of Bell Construction, he took pride in what he did and in helping others whenever he could. Above all, Mark loved his family and cherished the time he spent with them.

Mark will be remembered by his mother, Anna May Bell; son, Noah Bell and wife, Addy; two daughters, Melissa Delong and husband, Trevor, and Alison Swift and husband, Scott; five grandchildren, Aiden Swift, Gunner Swift, Erin Delong, Tucker Delong and Cheyenne Bell; sisters, Anna Marie Vaughan, Karen Renee Crowly, Terry Denise McKannon; many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Bell, Sr.; and brother, Herbert Bell, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. In honor of Mark, the family encourages guests to wear camo or racing attire.

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Chuck Parr officiating. Burial will follow at Bell Family Cemetery at his home place in Wabash County, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mark's memory to Shop with a Fireman/Cop/EMT Program, a fund that helps the youth in our county during the Christmas season. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Mark's tribute wall, flowers and leave condolences for the Bell family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com