Paul Freeman Bell

Paul Freeman Bell, 92, of Springfield, formerly of Dawson, died on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Memorial Medical Center. Paul was born on December 24, 1930, in Rochester, IL. the son of Claude “Buddie” and Julia Eva (Baltrunas) Bell. He married Cleon Leach on August 5, 1951. They were married for 68 years before she preceded him in death on August 18, 2019.

Paul was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He worked for First National Bank, Gulf Oil Corp. and ended his career in 1992 with Schneider Transport after driving 16 years as an over the road truck driver.  Paul loved 1957 Chevys, car cruises, milking cows as a boy, building our home from the first shovel of dirt, loving on grandsons, listening to Bluegrass and Classic Country as he rolled down the highways of this ol’ country as he was on the road again. Enjoying all of the family get togethers on both sides of the family and loving on his wife, Cleon. He was a member of West Side Christian Church, Rochester VFW Post#11463, Teamsters Local #722, Rochester American Legion Post #274, and Route 66 Cruisers and Cool Cruisers Car Clubs.

He is survived by his daughter, Deb (Steve) Heaberlin of Springfield; son, Roger (Megan) Bell of Niantic; two grandsons Jeremy (Emily) Bell of Plainfield, IL. and Adam (Jose) Bell of Seattle, WA.; 3 great granddaughters Morgan, Maddyn and Merrin Bell; one sister, Barbara Romines of Pearl, MS.; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 4:30-7:00PM at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 16, at 1:30PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mechanicsburg Cemetery Association 11209 Heather Drive, Dawson, IL 62520.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.

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