Jeffrey Kenneth Bell

Jeffrey Kenneth Bell, 54, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, formerly of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on July 10, 2025. Born on September 27, 1970, in Springfield, Illinois, Jeff was the son of Jack and Judy Bell. He spent most of his life in Taylorville, graduating from Taylorville High School in 1990. In 2020, he moved to Sallisaw to be closer to his brother, Jason.

Jeff was one of a kind—strong-willed and faithful to all the things that he believed. He faced many medical challenges throughout his life, but not once did he let them define him. He never complained and never lost sight of what mattered most to him.

Jeff’s most proud accomplishment was being a preacher. Whether it was in a pulpit, or in the comment section of a Facebook post (@Fired Up Acts 2:38). if you talked to Jeff for more than one minute, he was going to tell you about Jesus. His calling as a pastor was one of his greatest joys, and he lived it out with unwavering dedication.

Jeff was a part-time litigator—he proudly proclaimed a courtroom record of 16 and 1. He was a tireless letter writer, an advocate for justice, and a persistent voice to government officials on causes close to his heart. He traveled the world, most recently visiting Germany and Turkey, and took his time making his way back home because Jeff always did things his own way.

Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved wife Angela, his parents Jack and Judy, and his maternal grandparents Kenneth and Loretta Virden. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jason and Kaysha Bell of Vian, OK; his niece and nephew, Kaytie and Ben; his aunt and uncle, Connie and Floyd Virden of Nokomis, IL; and his faithful little buddy, Sammy.

Jeff enjoyed fishing, talking with friends, and helping anyone who needed it. He would give you his last dollar if he thought it would help—and often did. He taught us to listen before we speak, to be patient, and to never worry because “I got this, Bro!”

The world is a little quieter without you, you will be greatly missed, brother.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

John 3:5