Melvin D. Bell 94 of Ames, passed away at Green Hills Health Care Center on July 7, 2023. Later, a private family graveside service will be held at Ames Municipal Cemetery, with Father Don Czapla officiating.

Melvin Dwight Bell was born September 24, 1928, in Ames to Joseph and Hortensia (Hammond) Bell. He was the youngest of 4 children and a 1948 graduate of Ames High School. Melvin married his high school sweetheart, Joneta (Jonnie) Wheelock on August 27, 1948, and were married for 72 yrs. The two made their lives in Ames and from this union had eight children: Tom, Suanne, Pam, Jacque, Mark, Jim, Larry and Danny.

Early years he worked alongside his dad at a Western Auto Store in Harlan and then later as an agent for DX Sunray Oil including a station in Ames. Later in Ames transitioned to Texaco where he started his own business (Mel Bell Oil Co. And Duff Ave. Texaco). In 1972 he retired and sold his businesses and went to work for Chamberlain Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Wilson Trailers, in Hampton as a salesman selling semi-trailers. He occasionally used his pilot's license in this
business. After 5 yrs. he retired from this job, sold the family home in Ames, and moved to The Lake of Ozarks in Camdenton, MO. in 1980. They built their dream home to their specifications on the lake. Mel and Jonnie enjoyed their lake home with an inboard/outboard, pontoon, and fishing boats with family and friends. He also enjoyed flying in his many airplanes, and his Honda Trike. In 2000 they moved back to Ames and resided on an acreage west of town. In their retirement during the winter, they traveled in their many RVs to the Southwest. He used his woodworking skills to make Christmas and other presents, for his children in his garage workshop.

Left to cherish Melvin's memory are children: Tom (JoAnn) Bell of Story City, Suanne Smith of Ames, Pam (Dennis) Hanks of Cambridge, Jacque Bell of Ames and Danny Bell of Ames. 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Ramona Bell and many nieces and nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Joneta May 3, 2021, his parents Joseph and Hortensia Bell, sisters Laura Burroughs, and Mildred
Paulsen, brother Kenyon Bell, sons Mark, Jim, and Larry, grandchildren Tom Bell Jr. and Mike Hanks, son-in-law Gary Smith and daughter-in-law Kelly Bell.

Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com