Velmus Leo Bell

Velmus Leo Bell age 93 passed away Monday, February 2, 2015. He was born August 29, 1921 at Cave City, Arkansas to Alvis and Gertha Felts Bell. With an exception of four years in the U.S. Army, he resided in Sharp County all of his life. During World War II, he was with the 97th Signal Battalion, serving in England, France, Germany and Czechoslavakia. Returning to Cave City after the war, he married Jestine Montgomery and began farming. During their 66 year marriage, they farmed and operated a dairy until retirement in 1986. In 1963 the Bell family was named Sharp County Farm Family of the Year. He was a member of the Maxville Missionary Baptist Church and was active in local civic affairs. He served on the Cave City School Board for 25 years and was former President of the Sharp County Farm Bureau. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Albert Bell and one sister, Novalene Garrison. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Jestine Bell; three daughters, Brenda Snyder and husband Kerry, Debbie Magness and husband Jack and Melissa Bassler and husband Doug; four grandchildren, Josh and Tyler Magness and Jared and Sarah Dumais; one brother Charles Bell and two sisters, Eudell Matlock and Glenna Lassiter several nieces and nephews and host of other relatives and friends. Graveside services will be Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Palestine Cemetery located at Cave City with Bro. Boyce Johnson officiating. Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 4, 2015 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers are Chad Wooldridge, Richard Penn, Gale Weaver, Michael Paul Lassiter, Everett Bell, Johnny Barr, Tom Penn, Gilbert McCracken and Darrell Ford.