Lamar Bell of Fayette died at his home Saturday (Nov. 7, 2009). He was 59.

Born Jan. 25, 1950, in Ringgold, Ga., he was the son of John and Freida Bird Bell. He married Martha Carmack on Oct. 8, 1977 at Bible Baptist Church in New Franklin and she survives of the family home.

Mr. Bell was the founding teacher of Grace ‘n Glory Christian Academy in New Franklin, teaching there for 26 years and was currently serving as school principal. He was a dedicated member of the Bible Baptist Church in New Franklin, having served as deacon, treasurer and Sunday School teacher.

In addition to his wife, Martha, he is survived by three sons, Lawrence Nathan Bell of Hollister, Mo.; Jeremy Alan Bell and wife, Bethany, of Springfield; and Jordan Caleb Bell of Fayette; a daughter, Andrea Louise Bell King and husband, Jon, of Westlake, La.; a brother, Randy Bell of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and two sisters, Glenda Bell of McNeese of Bel Air, Md., and Connie Bell Eidson of Ringgold, Ga.

His parents preceded him in death.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bible Baptist Church in New Franklin with the Revs. Rodney Haggett, Randy Bell and Clay McNeese officiating. Burial  followed at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near New Franklin.

Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bible Baptist Church and also one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace ‘n Glory Christian Academy in care of Markland-Yager Funeral Home, P.O. Box 126, New Franklin, MO 65274.

Arrangements entrusted to Markland-Yager Funeral Home, New Franklin.