GAYLAN LEE BELL
Gaylan Lee Bell, son of Darl and Margaretta (Stutesman) Bell, was born May 8, 1940, in a farmhouse three miles northwest of Clearfield. The family moved to town and he attended Clearfield school. When he was 11 years old, they moved to Creston where his dad got a job as a mail carrier. Gaylan went to school there but spent summers and weekends down at the farm in Clearfield, where his Grandpa and Grandma Stutesman lived. He always liked Clearfield best. The family farm was homesteaded by Gaylan’s great grandfather, John Bailey, and was in the family for over 100 years.
In 1957, he married Wanda Shawler. Three children were born to this union: Shelley, Terri and Rod. In 1962, they divorced. On October 28, 1963, he married Linda Tellin. Together they had three daughters: Marcy, Darla and Beth. In 1973, they purchased the family farm from his Grandma Stutesman. He farmed until he had by-pass surgery in 1998. He still loved the farm and helped other farmers put in and harvest their crops.
Gaylan was a member of the Clearfield United Methodist Church and was baptized June 8, 1941.
Gaylan loved horses and Harley’s and usually had one or both most of his life. Gaylan was known for always having a joke to tell and many times you had already heard it, but he told it again anyway.
In 2018, Gaylan and Linda moved off the farm and into town. Gaylan adjusted fairly well but always missed the farm. He enjoyed riding around town in his pickup or on the golf cart and would stop and visit friends.
In October 2021, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Gaylan passed away at his home on December 7, 2021. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Opal Stutesman; his parents, Darl and Margaretta Bell; his brother, Rick Bell; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Martha Tellin; brothers-in-law, Gayle Tellin and Bill Tellin.
Gaylan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda; six children Shelley (Billy) Stuart, Terri (Dan) Adamson, Rod Bell, Marcy (Randy) Gregg, Darla (Doug) Sobotka, Beth (Bill) Flowers; 25 grandchildren Leah Clymer, Jordan (Becca Jo) Clymer, Austin Hancock, Ryan Gregg, Becca (Nate) Crane, Rachel Gregg (Myles Greene), Katie Sobotka, Erin Sobotka, Caleb (Jessica) Flower, Courtney (Michael) Uddenberg, Cassidy (Austin) Shoemaker, Noah Flowers, Evan Flowers, Isabelle Flowers, Cameron Flowers, Jade (Tammy) Stuart, Stoney Stuart, Kasey (Matt) Rehmeyer, Karrie Ballard, Heidi Bell, Tyson Earl Sidle, Erica LaVon Gravitt, Tara (Bob) Hower, Ashly Adamson, Kala (Brian) Hendricks; 24 great grandchildren Jace Bryant, Josiah Robinson, Emmit Shoemaker, Maverick Shoemaker, Lucas Flowers, Aria Uddenberg, Carter Crane, Amalaya Hancock, Jalyn Klejch, Tanner Klejch, Chase Lovely, Landon Lovely, Avery Lovely, Logan Hendricks, Quinn Hendricks, Rylie Rehmeyer, Tyson Stuart, Will Stuart, Sonya Ballard, Tristen Ballard, Jacob Cavin, Acylies Cooper, Joseph Bell, Diamond Bell; sister, Sherry (Monte) Parrott; sister-in-law, Kay Bell; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
Services were at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield, IA.
Officiating was Pastor Bill Armstrong.
Songs were “Amazing Grace” by Judy Collins, “A House of Gold” – BR5-49 and “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals.
Urnbearers were Linda Bell and Sherry Parrott.
Burial was at the Clearfield Cemetery in Clearfield, IA.
Memorials are to the Clearfield Cemetery.
