Kimber “Kim” Lee Bell was born July 7, 1955, in Winner, SD, to Eddie Lee and Lee “Verdean” (Klein) Bell. He graduated from Winner High School in 1973, and went on to college at SDSU and NSU, participating in the ROTC program.
Eventually, Kim went to work as a trucker, and trucked for many years. After his accident, he went looking for a place to build his log house, and decided to put it right next to the interstate, just in case he decided to go back to trucking, because that would give him easy access to the road. He was later self-employed, working heavy equipment building roads.
Whatever Kim did, he worked hard and gave his all. Kim was everyone’s “hero.” No matter who you were, he would always take the time to stop and just listen, and no matter what the circumstances, he thought of others before himself.
He was a giver, not a taker. Kim had a tremendous passion for two things – old cars and bass fishing. No one can remember a time when Kim bought anything new, as he would rather fix up something himself. This translated to his love of cars, believing in working hard to restore old to new. His latest was his green 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon.
However, when it came to fishing, that was his time to relax. He loved fishing the stock dams near Winner, and the lies and stories that came afterwards were always a joy to listen to. The solitude at the pond was what it was all about to him, second only to the competition amongst the whole family when it came to fishing.
On any given Sunday afternoon during football season, Kim could be found watching his beloved Chicago Bears. He was a die-hard fan, and he refused to have company on Sundays, because there was always a game to be watched. Above all, Kim was a writer.
He always had a unique way with words, and everyone looked forward to a letter from him. His words were so wise, sincere, and straight from the heart, reminding his friends and family how loved and cherished they were.
On Monday, July 13, 2020, Kim passed away at his home in Piedmont, SD. He put up a hell of a fight to beat cancer, and succeeded for five years longer than he was supposed to. He never complained about the journey, and he never lost that determination to live until his very last breath.
Kim touched the lives of all who knew him, and will be deeply missed by each and every one.
He is survived by his sisters, Debbie Robinson, Cindy (Jerry) Haskell, and Amy (Bill) Reiser; his brother, Randy (DeEtte) Bell; niece, Sadie; nephews, Chad, Charlie, Luke, Tye, Corey, Bryce, Preston, Nick, and Brandon; and a host of other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Verdean Bell; grandparents, Lee and Lena Klein and Elmer and Hazel Bell; and his nephew, Kris Robinson.
Funeral services were held 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020, at Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont, with Pastor John Britt officiating. Graveside services followed at Piedmont Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Piedmont Cemetery Association in Kim’s name. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
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