Steven Christopher Bell of Hudgins, Va., died Nov. 20, 2015 at Sanders Retirement Community in Gloucester, Va.

Steve was born in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 25, 1957 to Robert Henry Bell and Ann Marie (Bell) Lewis.

In his early years, the family lived in Japan and Germany before settling in Gaithersburg, Md. He earned his BFA from Kansas City Art Institute and his Master of Education from Lesley College. He married the love of his life, Matilda (Tilly) Woodward of Kansas City. 

After settling in Pella, Iowa, Steven served as Director of Community Services. Well served by his ability to submit and secure grant funding, he helped pave the way for growth in Cultural and Athletic programs. Most notably, the creation of new municipal facilities including a public safety complex, park expansions, a new soccer complex as well as a swimming pool and tennis courts. This led to the position of Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Kirksville, Mo. Prior to retiring, Steve served on the board of Kirksville Art Association. He relocated to Hudgins in 2011.

He loved working with wood and built beautiful toys and furniture. His passion for well-designed vehicles included his BMW R75/5 and 1973 Cougar convertible, kept him busy. Cooking and gardening were particular passions of his.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Robert Henry Bell.

He is survived by his children, Adrian (Seth) Crawford of Davenport, Iowa, and Walker Bell of Iowa City, Iowa; grandson, Ira Crawford; mother, Ann Marie Lewis of Hudgins; his former spouse, Tilly Bell Woodward; brother, Ronald Bell of Lynchburg, Va.; sisters, Arlene Shepperd and Marilyn Orange, both of Chester, Va., Lesley Pond of White Stone, Va., and Sammie Hudson of Salem, Va. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109.

Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

No services are planned at this time.