Obituary: Kevin Garrett Bell (1986-2021)

Memorial services for Kevin Bell of Roscoe, age 35, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021 in Riverside Community Church in Machesney Park. The family will receive visitors at McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday. June 11.

Kevin's body was found Sunday, June 6, 2021 at Kelley Myers Park in Roscoe, Illinois.  The cause of death is still being investigated, but it appears accidental and the police department states, "There does not appear to be any threat to public safety." Village of Roscoe police were summoned at approximately 1:42 p.m.

He was a light to all who knew him. Kevin brought joy to everyone’s day with his smile. He will be dearly missed.

Born in February 1986 in Rockford, Kevin was the beloved son of Charlie Bell (deceased) and Nannette Bell. He is survived by Kathy Byrne (sister), Patrick Byrne (brother-in-law), Evelyn Byrne (niece), many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kevin felt most at home on horseback. He loved riding at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and did so for 30 years. He won numerous medals in Special Olympics events for dressage, English equitation, and trails. He shared a special bond with his horse, Neal.

An active and loving member of the Riverside Community Church in Machesney Park, Kevin enjoyed singing in the church choir. Every Christmas season he played the role of the loyal shepherd in the church’s drive-through live nativity scene.

Kevin became an Eagle Scout in May 2013, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 643. As part of becoming an Eagle Scout, he led a  service project team that revived the Riverside Community Church’s Memorial Garden. In his earlier years as a Boy Scout, he volunteered at the summer camp in Janesville for several years.

Kevin was a sports enthusiast. He loved watching NASCAR racing, the Cubs, and all things Peyton Manning. Kevin was an avid bowler and participated in a bowling league at Viking Lanes in South Beloit for several years. No one could match his knowledge of sports trivia and statistics. He ran a football pool at school (bragging rights only). Only staff members could participate, and it was an honor to be included.

A Hononegah High School graduate, Kevin loved the school so much he began working in the discipline office during his final years of school. He continued to work at Hononegah for another 17 years. He received the school's Super Fan Award in September 2013. He took great pride and joy in running the flag down the football field. He also helped coach the student/faculty basketball games.

Kevin worked as a clerk at Schnucks in Roscoe, IL for 17 years. Stocking shelves in the produce aisle was a favorite. During break time, he could be found playing card games with his coworkers – winner got a can of pop. He loved connecting with the community daily.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding in Poplar Grove, IL,  or Illinois Special Olympics to continue to honor his legacy.

Obituary: https://www.mccorklefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Kevin-Garrett-Bell?obId=21343761#/obituaryInfo

Livestream link: https://my.gather.app/remember/kevin-bell.