Gary Lee Bell, 83, of Holton, KS, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Vintage Park in Holton, KS; with family by his side. He was born February 9, 1941 in Goff, KS, the son of Everton Albert and Iva Hulda Bell.

Gary graduated from Goff High School in 1958. He worked at American Yearbook (presently named Josten's Yearbook) in Topeka, KS for over 15 years. He began working in Holton, KS for the Gossip Printery in 1974. Gary and his wife, Carolyn purchased it in 1979; naming it Bell Graphics. Gary retired after it sold in 2004.

He was a member and former Elder of Circleville Christian Church and was very involved with the music for the church. Gary was a member of Holton Lions Club, as well as Kansas Prairie Pickers Association. He was instrumental in beginning the Prairie Lake Pickin’ Party held annually at Prairie Lake. Gary's love for music and his guitar was known by many; playing and singing for church, funerals, Pickers Paradise, anniversaries, numerous get-togethers and teaching others.

Gary married Carolyn Ruth Fund on July 9, 1960 at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Pasty Bell in Goff, KS. They celebrated over 61 years of marriage before her passing on November 15, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Everton and Iva Bell; son, Paul Bell; sister, Opal Adams; 5 brothers, Roy, Earl, Lawrence, Nobel and Alvin Bell.

Survivors include his daughter, Lori Mellenbruch (Earl) of Soldier, KS; son, Darren Bell (Arthur Gilkison) of Denver, CO; 5 sisters-in-law, Millie Bell of Colorado, Dona Bell of Wetmore, KS, Patsy Bell of Goff, KS, Marclare Bell of Holton, KS, Mary Fund (Ed Reznicek) of Goff, KS; a brother-in-law, Arlie Fund of Delia, KS; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters with one more great-grandchild on the way, and much loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2024 at the Circleville Christian Church. The family will greet friends from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Gary will lie-in-state for public viewing Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until visitation time. Inurnment will be at Barnes Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to Circleville Christian Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com