Merle William Bell

Merle William Bell, 87, of Cambridge, surrounded by his loving family, peacefully went to be with the Lord at 9:00 am, Saturday, February 1, 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Vangie (Heath) Bell.  Merle was born on December 8, 1937, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, a son to the late Merle and Mabel (Gasaway) Bell.

Merle was a man of action and faith.  He instilled his faith and morales in his family, friends, and everyone he encountered.  He was a long-time member of the Cambridge Foursquare Gospel Church, the Byesville Assembly of God, and most recently attended the Abundant Blessing Church in Center.

He had a passion for golfing, woodworking, yardwork, and tinkering.  He and Vangie both had a love of horses.  Merle was particularly fond of his Clydesdales for their strength, size, power, yet gentle temperament.  He was the happiest at his log home he built on Bell's Hill.  A favorite past-time was feeding the birds and deer and sitting with his wife watching them.

Merle carried his passion into everything he did. He valued his time working at the Colgate-Palmolive company.  Even after over a decade of work at Colgate and his decision to retire he was eager to serve others.  Whether he was driving individuals in need to their medical appointments or working as a handyman at the Clay House Nursing home he was sharing his love of life, lightheartedness, and faith.  In addition to being an ombudsman for nursing home residents, he and Vangie enjoyed visiting the nursing homes to lift the residents' spirits with music, treats, and share their faith.

Merle is survived by his wife, daughters Cathy (Mark) Seeley of New Concord, Debbie (Bruce) Evans of Columbus, Cynthia (Jeff) Cowgill of Cambridge, and his son, Jeff Bell of Washington, DC; grandchildren Annette, Ted, Shawnee, Erica, Brianne, and Lorrin; and eight great-grandchildren; his brothers, Ronnie Bell of Florida, Robert (Shirley) Bell of Martins Ferry, and Charles "Butch" Bell of Martins Ferry.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Gary Bell and Wilbur "Skeeter" Bell.

If you encountered Merle during your journey through life, his love of Christ was passed on to you.  Know that you are loved, and Jesus is always by your side.

Calling hours will be held at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, 139 S Ninth St., Cambridge, Ohio on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 10AM-2PM with the funeral service to immediately follow.  Burial service will be held at Center Baptist Church Cemetery, 10778 Cadiz Rd., Cambridge, Ohio.