Rex Lee Bell, 90, of Monticello passed away peacefully at 12:25 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Monticello Healthcare.

Born on January 5, 1936, in Lafayette, Indiana, Rex was the son of the late Delbert L. Bell and Mary (Thomson) Bell. He graduated from Delphi High School with the class of 1954 before honorably serving his nation in the United States Air Force. From 1954 to 1958, he served as Airman First Class with the Strategic Air Command during the Korean Conflict, carrying with him a deep sense of patriotism and duty throughout his life.

On July 31, 1960, Rex married the love of his life, Phyllis Mahoney, at the Monticello Christian Church in Monticello, Indiana. Together they built a strong and enduring marriage rooted in faith and devotion. Phyllis survives in Monticello.

A faithful member of the Monticello Christian Church, Rex served as a deacon and dedicated countless hours to church committees.

He was a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), the American Legion, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Rex worked for the railroad during high school before entering military service. Following his time in the Air Force, he pursued a distinguished career in aviation and business. Rex was a fully licensed aviation mechanic and crew chief, for all types of aircrafts, which included heavy bombers. This also included his favorite military aircraft, the B52.  He served as a commercial charter pilot for Halsmer’s Airport and later worked for Consolidated Industries as Director of Sales and a corporate pilot. He also worked for Orrville Leather Sales, Incorporated.

Known for his mechanical mind and hands on craftsmanship, Rex could build or fix nearly anything. He personally built both of their homes and was always looking for a new project. He designed and engineered the first horizontal furnace, that revolutionized the heating and cooling industry as we know it to be today.

Rex enjoyed flying, horses, buffalo and the satisfaction of honest work.

Along with his wife, Phyllis, he is survived by two lovely daughters, Lexan Bell Sweeney and Joni Bell Rogers, both of Fishers, Indiana; three grandchildren, Cory Libka (wife, Brittney) of Springfield, Illinois, Lindsay Rogers Benson (husband, Tony) of Spring Lake, North Carolina and Madison “Maddy” Sweeney of Fishers, Indiana; seven great grandchildren, Navy Lee, Rome Elijah, Lily Grace, Ian Joseph, Kennedy Kaye, Conor Rex and Riley Gary and a sister-in-law, Rita Bell of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Rex is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard "Dick" Bell. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Monticello Christian Church, (105 Gordon Rd) from 11:00 a.m. until time of service celebrating Rex’s life at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Rev. Tanny Dawson-Snyder officiating.

Burial will follow at Riverview I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monticello.

The Rex Bell family requests that expressions of sympathy take form of donations to The Wounded Warrior or the Tunnel to Towers. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.