Virgil A. Bell

Virgil Andrew Bell, 97, a longtime resident of McFarland, Kansas and Wabaunsee County, passed away Friday, January 29, 2009 in Wamego, Kansas. Virgil was born January 7, 1913 at his family home near Eskridge, Kansas, the son of William and Maude (Boyles) Bell. Virgil attended a rural grade school near Dover, KS, and began working as a farmer and a laborer for many farmers in the area. All his life, he had a reputation as being a very hard worker and was well liked and trusted by everyone he knew. He enjoyed being around people, being outdoors as much as possible, and was a “jack of all trades”. He was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Newbury, Kansas. Virgil married Marie Bender Gordon at Newbury in 1940. Marie preceded him in death in May of 1984. His survivors include his step-daughter, Margaret McKinney of Alma, Kansas; 13 step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one brother, 2 sisters, 4 step-children, and 2 step-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 6th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Newbury. Burial will follow in McFarland City Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral mass. A memorial has been established in Virgil’s name for Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or to PRN Home Health and Hospice, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Alma, KS, Box 126, 66401.