Lawrence Matthew Bell, 63, of Ames, IA, formerly of Diamondhead, MS, passed away Friday, December 31, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA. Larry was born May 1, 1958, in Ames, IA, the 7th of 8 children to Melvin D. Bell and Joneta C. (Wheelock) Bell. Larry attended school in Ames and graduated from Ames High School in 1976. After graduating, he worked numerous jobs such as Vickers gas station, Tony's Little Italy Restaurant and in the mid 1980's, joined brother Mark in the tower crane business in Dallas, TX and Las Vegas, NV. Mark told Larry, "If I can do this job, so can you." So both were operators in a crane anywhere from 150-300 feet in the air. In 2007/2008 he pursued a dream job. He had always wanted to to-drive an over the road 18 wheel truck (employed by KLLM and hauling trailers of Tyson Food items).
He worked for them 10 years, until his early retirement at the age of 60, due to health issues. Larry was a kind, gentle, loving and giving man. Easy to make friends and always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be truly missed.
Larry is survived by his father, Melvin D. Bell; brothers, Tom (JoAnn) of Story City, Danny of Ames; sisters, Suanne Smith of Ames, Pam (Dennis) Hanks of Cambridge and Jacque of Ames along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother; brothers, Mark and Jim; two nephews, Mike Hanks and Tom Bell Jr.; brother-in-law, Gary Smith and sister-in-law, Kelly Bell.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames with Father Don Czapla officiating.
Online condolences may be directed to grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com