Michael E. Bell

Michael E. Bell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Michael Erwin Bell was born on December 20, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri, to William and Loretta Bell (née Suntrup). He grew up in South County and attended Lindbergh High School, where he met his first wife, Diane Hawkins. Together they welcomed a daughter, Heather, who would remain the center of his world throughout his life. Michael's work on the pipeline took the family on the road, living in both North Dakota and Louisiana, before their marriage later ended.
Michael later met Julia "Julie" Hardin, and they married in October of 1982. During their years together, Michael worked as an aviation mechanic at Avtek, a role that perfectly suited his natural curiosity and mechanical mind. Their life together was filled with love and happiness until Julie's passing in October of 1994, a loss that deeply shaped Michael's life. Seeking healing and adventure, he moved to Belize, where he spent five years living boldly, owning his own business, Banana Buggies, and building custom dune buggies.
After returning to the United States in 1999, Michael fully embracing his lifelong passion for motorcycles. A true Harley-Davidson enthusiast, he eventually worked for Big Boyz Custom Cycles in Fenton, Missouri. Michael built his own bikes, poured his heart into the craft, and proudly won several competitions along the way. Motorcycles were never just machines to him they were art, freedom, and community.
In 2005, Michael married Sherri Hill (née Kempf), a childhood friend with whom he reconnected through their shared love of motorcycle riding. They lived in Fenton before making their home in Sullivan, Missouri. Michael later worked for Woody Bogler Trucking Company in Gerald until his health no longer allowed him to continue. Although their marriage later ended, Sullivan remained home for Michael.
In 2025, following a cancer diagnosis, Michael moved in with his daughter and her husband, with whom he shared a rare and meaningful bond-one rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and love like that of a father and son, so they could care for him through treatment and his final days, surrounded by love, stories, music, and family.
Michael had a deep love for music, especially the Grateful Dead, and traveled across the country following them in concert. He also loved classic rock, sci-fi movies, and was a devoted fan of Star Trek and Doctor Who. An avid reader and a true goofball at heart, Michael was known for his humor, curiosity, and adventurous spirit. He loved motorcycle rallies, poker runs, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He was always happiest when there was something new to build or explore.
Above all else, Michael adored his grandchildren. Being a grandfather was his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in each of them.
Michael is survived by his loving daughter, Heather Woods, and her husband Cornelius of Dittmer, Missouri; his step-sons, Aaron Doty and Eric Doty; sixteen grandchildren: Adriana Woods, Geoffrey Woods, John Tristan McGilvrey, Taryn McGilvrey, Kasey Woods, Isobel Woods, Tyler Doty and wife Kayla, Emily Levering and husband Nick, Brianna Davis and husband Zack, Brooke Lynch and husband Ryelee, Connor Doty, Amadeus Doty and wife Sam, Alex Doty, Alice Doty, Dakota Doty and wife Stephanie, and Lillian Doty; eleven great-grandchildren: Yoni, Angelo, Maxine, Blair, Reagan, Finley, Eloise, Elliott, Violet, James, and Emmery; and his sisters, Martha Bricker and husband Rick of St. Louis, Missouri, Cheryl Skiles and husband Don of Desloge, Missouri, and Shari Pulliam and husband Mike of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Julie Bell; his sister, Gwendolyn Hunnicutt, and her husband Richard; and his parents, William and Loretta Bell.
A private Ceremony of Life service will be held on January 24, 2025 at his daughter and son-in-law's home.
Friends may send online condolences to Michael's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael E. Bell, please visit our Tree Store.