Robert E. Bell, 83 of Taylorville, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Taylorville Care Center.  He was born on August 30, 1941, in Taylorville, the son of Claude and Julia (Eson) Bell.  He married Mary Frances Dunn on January 14, 1961, in Taylorville, and she preceded him in death on October 21, 2020.  Bob worked for many years as a coal miner at Peabody Mine #10.  He loved to golf and bowl and was an avid sports fan, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois, or any team his grandsons played on. 

He is survived by his daughter: Juli Mantia, husband Patrick, of St. Louis; grandsons: Nathan Bell of Peoria and Nicholas Bell and fiancé Alex Brinkmeier of St. Louis, Missouri, and Vincent Mantia, fiancé Caitlin Holzum, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; daughter-in-law: Teri Simon of Pekin; sister: Donna Anselm of Taylorville; sister-in-law: Janet Bell of Stonington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son: Jeffrey “Bubba” Bell, and brother: Zeke Bell.

A visitation for Bob will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation and inurnment will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.