Charles E. “Ed” Bell


Charles Edward “Ed” Bell, 82, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, Grain Valley, MO, with Visitation from 11:00am – 12:00pm, Service at 12:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life in the church gymnasium. 

Ed was born November 5, 1942 in Harrisonville, Missouri, the son of Charley R. and Esther L. (Siemon) Bell.  He grew up as a farm boy in Harrisonville and Pleasant Hill.  He went to Kansas City Junior College while working in sales at Sears and Roebuck.  Ed was in the first senior graduation class from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO.  He pastored at Arcola Baptist Church in Arcola, MO while in college, then at Edinburg Baptist Church in Trenton, MO for 6 years, followed by Mt. Zion Baptist in Lee’s Summit, MO for 12 years, and finally at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley for 21 years, retiring in 2006.  Following his retirement, Ed worked for almost 10 years at Royer Funeral Home as an on-staff Pastor and eventually got his funeral director’s license.  

Known as Brother Ed, his ministry was majored on preaching, teaching, and building the local church.  He was a community minded servant to schools, sports teams, and community activities.  Ed was also a Chaplain for several Police Departments over the years.  He conducted revivals in Missouri and Illinois and has also been involved in mission trips to Jamaica and Puerto Rico.  He loved people and would do anything for anyone. 

Ed was an avid reader and had an extensive home library.  He enjoyed horses, dogs, old tractors, and old cars, and loved to hunt and fish. 

Ed is survived by his wife, Judy Bell of the home; 2 sons, Jonathan Bell and wife Suzi, of Oak Grove, MO, and Jeremy Bell of the home; 4 grandchildren: Chris, Skyler, Austin, and Adison; 4 great-grandchildren: Tesla, Robert, Turner, and Rayne; and sister, Mary Ann Blevins of Independence, MO.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gayla Lou Sinclair. 

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri 

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Heaven has gained an angel while those of us who knew Brother Ed on earth have lost a dear friend and Christian role model.

  2. So sorry for Judy and the boys loss. He was such a a good person and a mighty warrior for God. Our prayers are with you. Pam (Long) White

  3. So many wonderful memories with Ed and Judy Bell. Ed was so supportive of our family who attended Mount Zion Baptist Church’ as well as many other Church families. Matthew 25:26 – His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Thank you for your service. The Mills family.

  4. Thank you, Brother Ed and Sister Judy, for sharing many hours of Brother Ed’s time with me and for me. A better friend a man could never find.

  5. Heaven gained a blessed angel.
    We lost a true Christian and dear friend.
    Brother Ed was a blessing to Grain Valley.

  6. I remember Ed well. He was a regular in our restaurant back in 1994-95. He brought many new customers in . Helped us a lot.
    Wonderful person

Leave a Reply to Pam Long White Cancel reply