Robert William Bell, June 11, 1939 – May 28, 2025
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Robert William Bell—a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud locomotive engineer, and master of a well-timed joke—passed away peacefully at 85, at home with his beloved family.
Born in Brownsburg, Indiana to Mary Elizabeth and Thomas Grant Bell, Bob graduated from Brownsburg High School in 1957. He started working at Martha's Regal Market at age 16, where his quick wit and strong work ethic first shone. He served in the Army National Guard from 1961 to 1964, earning recognition as a sharpshooter.
Bob met Charlotte Ann McGuinness through his cousin, and after two dates and many letters during his time at Fort Benning, Georgia, they married on February 11, 1962. Together, they shared nearly 60 years filled with love, laughter, and remodeling homes across Indiana, creating warm, welcoming spaces for their family.
A proud father to Mary Margaret and Jayne Ann, Bob's greatest joy was being "Papal". Whether sneaking treats, telling jokes for the hundredth time, sharing railroad stories, or traveling with his family to make lasting memories, Bob made every family member feel loved and special. His humor was sharp and a bit ornery, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye. An avid gardener and outdoorsman, Bob loved morel mushroom hunting in the woods, finding solace and happiness in those peaceful moments.
Bob worked over three decades in the railroad industry. He started as a Fireman and became an Engineer for the B&O Railroad, retiring in 1986. He then spent seven years with the Indiana Rail Road Company before founding C.A.B. Consulting.
Preceded in death by his wife Charlotte, brother Tom Bell, brother-in-law Russell Turner, in-laws Charlie and Jean McGuinness and parents, Bob is survived by daughters Mary Margaret Cherry (Gregory) and Jayne Ann Lough (Gregory); grandchildren Olivia Brown (Jared), Graham Lough (Channing), Madilyn Bell, and Grace Rindler (Justin); great-children Harrison, Truett, Thatcher, Charlotte Brown, and Vivian Lough; siblings Jim Bell (Hilda), Ginny Turner; sister-in-law Patricia Dobson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob's legacy lives on in his family's hearts and homes. He taught them the value of hard work, love, and the power of a well-timed punchline. His stories, laughter, and devotion will be remembered always.
Christian Right of Burial will be June 5th at St. Bernard's Catholic Church 1306 E. Main Street Crawfordsville, Indiana. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00pm EST, Mass at 3pm EST with internment at Greenlawn Cemetery in Darlington, Indiana immediately following Mass.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Darlington Library, Darlington Indiana