Matthew Doyle Bell, 53, of Fulton, passed away at home Wednesday, May 8, 2019 under the care of family and Grace Hospice.
A public memorial service will be held at a later date.
Matt was born on October 25, 1965 in Benson, AR to Eugene and Alice Beth (Sheltrown) Bell, but he had resided in Michigan, mainly the Athens and Fulton area, since infancy. Matt served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1984-1990, during peacetime conditions. He also completed two years of college coursework.
He was popular on the Kalamazoo, Galesburg, Butler and Angola racing circuit for 30 years as both a driver and mechanic. He knew many people, was well-liked and known for rescuing people with car problems. He was always willing to help. He believed you are never too old to have a happy childhood.
Survivors include his father, Eugene Bell, of Fulton; his children, Amber Linares of Plainwell, Jessica (Terry) Hard of Kalamazoo, Jonathon (Ivy Kruger) Bell of East Leroy and Jeffery Kidder of Kalamazoo; his grandchildren, Terry Hard, Jr., Mason Hard, Victoria Linares, Josue Linares and Sherry Linares; his siblings, Deyon Bell-Wilson, Eugene (Mary) Bell, Jr. of Tacoma, WA, Jonny Bell of Fulton, Renae McPherson of Fulton and Sherilyn (Scott) Oberlin of Truth or Consequences, NM; his little buddy Brekken Morrison; and his best friend, Abbie Boxman.
Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents; his mother, Alice Beth Bell; and his brother-in-law, David McPherson.
Memorial donations are suggested to Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation to assist the family with final expenses. To donate online, please visit
https://www.lighthousefuneral.com/funeral-funding/donate-to-funeral-expenses
.
