Marion “Tooter” Bell, 90, of Cheneyville, IL, passed away at 8:24 A.M. Sunday, August 10, 2025, at his home. He was born April 27, 1935, at home in Hoopeston, the son of Archie and Clara (Hinton) Bell. He married Michele “Mickey” Trombley on June 23, 1988, in Henderson, KY. She survives in Cheneyville.
He is also survived by two daughters, Shala (Jeff) Funk of Hoopeston, IL and Stephanie Brooks of South Boston, VA; one son, Sam (Angie) Bell of Hoopeston, IL; brother, Gary (Terri) Bell of Hoopeston, IL; sisters-in-law, Blondia Bell of Hoopeston, IL and Linda Bell of Henning, IL; brother-in-law, Jerry Trombley of Hoopeston, IL; nine grandchildren, Natalie (Brian) Pettice, Ryan (Ashley) Bell, Carly Bell, Brandi Bell, Taylor Brooks, Isaiah Bell, Hannah (Trent) Pilcher, Connor Brooks, and Kaelyn Brooks; fourteen great-grandchildren, Vaida, Chris, Mackenzie, Layton, Anasyn, Brylee, Mallory, Alyssa, Jameson, Jaxon, Gavin, George, Georgia, and Novalee; one great-great-grandchild, Theo; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Edith (Joe) Sprague, Archie Jr. “Bud” (Libby) Bell, Robert “Snookie” (JoAnne) Bell, Kenny Bell, Carl Eugene Bell, Larry (Ellen Sue) Bell, Terry Bell, Shirley (Jim) Malott, and Sharon Robinson; sister-in-law, Kathy Dickinson; and first wife, Ruthanne.
In his earlier years, Tooter was a Deputy Sheriff. He then worked as the head of security at The Village Mall in Danville and later became a machinist at TMF, until his retirement. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1958 as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Tooter was a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and watching World War II and Western movies. He also loved telling stories about the old days. Tooter loved his family with all of his heart, especially his grandkids and great grandkids whom he called his “babies”.
Cremation rites will be accorded, and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hoopeston American Legion Honor Guard, 502 E. Penn St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Tooter’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.