James ‘Stanley’ Bell

James “Stanley” Bell, 78, of Bourbon, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving family.

James Stanley Bell was born February 13, 1943 in Sullivan, Missouri, to Raymond & Ethel (Richardson) Bell. He grew up and attended school in Sullivan.

Stanley was united in marriage to Darlene Ernie on June 1, 1963 and they were blessed with three children: Jimmy, Jeff and Amy Jo. Together they raised their family in the Bourbon area. Stanley was employed at several places through the years, including Harry’s Tire, Ramsey Corp, Wallis Oil Company and Chrysler for 25 years. He retired in 2008 and quickly became involved in serving the Bourbon community as an alderman for over 7 years and as a Board Chairman for Planning and Zoning in the City of Bourbon.  

Stanley was well known in the area for racing cars at God’s Thunder Valley. He and Darlene even traveled to other states to compete in races. Stanley was also a very skilled mechanic. He loved to ride motorcycles, woodworking, and fixing anything and everything for anyone. He also enjoyed being out in nature, whether it was hunting or cutting wood. Stanley loved all of his pets, but he especially had a soft spot for his dogs.

Later in life, Stanley became a member of The Ridge Church of Sullivan and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. He also became involved in the Mason’s and enjoyed serving others within the organization.

Stanley is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Darlene Bell, of Bourbon, MO; three children: Jimmy Bell and wife Kim, Jeff Bell and wife Dee, and Amy Jo Blackwell and husband Dwayne, all of Bourbon, MO; eight grandchildren: Melissa Bell, Jake Bell and wife Evangeline, Makayla Baker and husband Brandon, Josh Bell and Jenessa Bell, C.J. Whitehead, Madison Blackwell, and Zach Blackwell; seven great-grandchildren: Sidney Lucille, Riley James, Logan Daniel, Esther Rose, Saria Lytia, Autumn Elizabeth and Emma Jo; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ethel Bell; a sister, Barbara Beckett; & a brother, Raymond Bell Jr.

Funeral services for Stanley were 12 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the Ridge Church of Sullivan, with Pastor Matt Dudley officiating.

Visitation was 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, prior to the service at the Ridge Church of Sullivan.

Memorial contributions in Stanley’s memory may be made to the Ridge Church’s Building Fund.

Friends may send online condolences to Stanley’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.