Rodney Mark Bell

Funeral services for Rodney Mark Bell, 64, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2023, at First Baptist Church, West Plains, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Bell passed away at 8:25 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at his home.  

He was born September 9, 1958, at West Plains, Missouri, to Doyle Bell and Betty McFarland.  On April 11, 1980, he married Marilyn Cropper Bell.  Two children were born from this union – Mandy and Jacob.  Mark’s pride and joy were his two grandsons, Isaac and Easton Harrison, whom he loved very much.  They were his special grandsons.  Mark was the owner of Bell’s Body Shop for over 42 years.  He built the business up and it was his passion.  His son, Jacob, now runs the family business.  Mark was involved with the community, was a board member of West Vue Nursing Center, a board member at Howell Valley School for many years, was a member and president of the Optimist Club and helped for several years with Mighty Mites, city league basketball throughout the years and loved to farm.  Mark was a Christian and of the Baptist faith.  He was a member of First Baptist Church, West Plains where he served in many ways, including a Deacon, special Sunday school teacher as well as many other areas.  He loved Jesus Christ his Savior and was baptized.  Mark loved God first; his family has peace and joy in knowing this.  His loving and giving heart will be a beacon of light for the whole community.

He is survived by his wife of 43years, Marilyn Bell; one daughter, Mandy Harrison and husband, Dustin; one son, Jacob Bell and Audrey Scott; one sister, Pat Patillo and husband, Bill; one brother, Terry Bell and wife, Diana; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one brother, Mike Bell and one sister, Mary Christine Bell, preceded him in death.  

Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Group and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.