William "Bill" Bell

William "Bill" Bell, 85, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on December 29, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene, 2305 E. South Street in Harrisonville, MO 64701, with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and funeral at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Cowgill Cemetery in Cowgill, MO.

Bill was born on August 7, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, to John and Lula Mosby-Bell. Bill, his older sister, Joyce Bell-Greer, older brother John Franklin Bell Jr., and younger brother Edward Bell resided in Clay County, Missouri during their youth. When John returned from WWII, serving with the Marines, he and his brother and the two boys, John Franklin Jr. and Bill traveled the countryside working in construction.

John and Lula divorced and John married Louise Diddle-Bell. John, Lousie, John Franklin, and Bill moved to a farm near Newtown in north central Missouri. It was here where Bill welcomed his younger sister, Karen Bell-Otto. Farming became a way of life for Bill as a young teenager. Bill loved working the night shift with his brother, John Franklin. He'd disk the farmland on his Oliver tractor, and they raised sheep. Raising sheep wasn't easy, but when the mamma rejected its lamb, Bill and John Franklin would properly care it, raise it, and sell it. This was a source of their income for school money. It was hard work, but it drove his work ethic, and his work ethic became his legacy.

Bill graduated from Newtown-Harris High School in 1958 and went on to attend and graduate from college. He was first married to Marietta Oakley, and together they welcomed a son, John William Bell, in 1962. Bill and Marietta were divorced, and Bill married Mary Walker. They had a son, Andrew "Andy" Bell, born in 1976.

Bill began his law enforcement career with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department in 1963, serving as a police officer for just over three years. He then joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1966, where he was assigned to Troop A, working the road in Platte and Clay Counties. After eight years, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and transferred to the Intelligence and Investigations Division, later known as the Division of Drug and Crime Control. Bill was promoted to sergeant and proudly graduated from the FBI National Academy.

During nearly 20 years as an investigator, Bill investigated a wide range of cases, including homicides, auto theft rings, property crimes, and major drug offenses. He later transferred to the Gaming Division, where he would retire in 1999 after more than 33 years of dedicated service. Retirement was brief-after approximately one month, Bill was hired by the Missouri Gaming Commission in the Kansas City area. He spent 17 years assisting with background investigations and the hiring process. Bill dedicated his life to serving the citizens of Missouri as a public servant for 50 years. Bill's greatest achievement was being named The Clarence M. Kelley Award for outstanding law enforcement leadership and commitment to the Kansas City region. The hard-working farm boy who later became a homicide detective created a legacy that fed many others, especially his two sons.

In 1999, Bill married Brenda Smith, the love of his later years. Bill and Brenda shared nearly 27 years together and enjoyed many adventures, including traveling, attending Mizzou football games, Chiefs and Royals games, and spending time at the lake with family and friends. Bill especially loved road trips and cherished his travels to Maui, Hawaii. Boating at the Lake of the Ozarks was one of his greatest joys-it was truly his second home. Bill also loved dogs! He had several over the years. He was most proud of his German Shepards.

Each year, Bill looked forward to returning to north central Missouri for deer season. Camping on the farm and spending time with his sons, his grandson Drew, and his close friend Jim Lowary meant the world to him.

At the age of 82, Bill gave his life to Jesus Christ, and one year later he was baptized. For more than three years, he was a regular attendee at Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene, and this past year he began attending Sunday School. Christ became the center of his life.

Most of all, Bill loved his family deeply. He was known for his sharp memory, his thoughtfulness, and his compassion for others. He treasured his long-lasting friendships and fondly recalled many cherished moments shared with those he loved. Bill's life was one of service, faith, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda, who passed away just three months earlier. Also proceeding Bill in death, his parents, John and Louise Bell, his biological mother, Lula Mosby, his brother John Franklin Bell Jr., brother Edward Bell, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his sons, John Bell (wife Elizabeth) and Andy Bell (wife Julie). Also survived by sisters Joyce Greer and Karen Otto (husband Bill).

Grandchildren: Natalie Bell, Kyle and Katie-Giesing Wilkerson (great grandchildren Karly, Knox, Kruz), Katlyn-Bell and Ian Hartford (great grandchildren Rylee and Ezra), Kurt Wilkerson (great grandchild Kemper), Ashley Bell-Busch and Paul Busch (great grandchildren Sammy, Rylee and Aria), Drew and Elizabeth-Reeves Bell (great grandchild Avery).

There are many more close relatives Bill is survived by and was preceded in death by that he loved and cared for deeply.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the State Patrol Foundation can be made in honor of Bill. Donations along with any special instructions should be mailed to:

State Patrol Foundation
Post Office Box 922
Jefferson City, MO 65102

The funeral service will be broadcasted live on Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO.