Charles G. Bell, age 85, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Thursday November 16, 2023 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.  He was born April 13, 1938, in Stronghurst, the son of Paul Gilbert and Belva Madge Brewer Bell.  On June 10, 1960, he married Sally Rankin in Biggsville, Illinois.  She survives.

Charles was a graduate of Stronghurst High School, Monmouth College, and received his Masters Degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb.  He was currently serving as Executive Director of the Mid-America Port Commission of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. .  He was active in the economic development of the entire surrounding area.

He was a member of many organizations, and was passionate about the communities he lived in and served, especially Stronghurst, Burlington, and Quincy.  He was an active member, and held many leadership roles, in the First Presbyterian Church of Burlington.

Survivors include his wife, Sally, six children, Brian Bell and Dan Bell, both of Stronghurst, Ron Bell of Carrollton, TX,  Mike Bell of Denver, CO, Debbie Bell of Quincy, James Bell of Burlington, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, one brother, David Bell of Oquawka, IL, and one sister,  Dessa (Michael) Rodeffer of Stronghurst.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Gary Bell.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 North 5th St, Burlington, IA, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral and burial will be at a later date in South Henderson Cemetery, near Biggsville, IL.  Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst in assisting the family.  Please visit Charles' obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.