Bobbie Gene Kell, 80, was born in Ashley Creek, Mo., on Oct. 17, 1934. He was the youngest son of William Horace and Maudie Mae (Nichols) Kell.
He attended Ashley Creek School, Ellis Prairie School and graduated from Houston High School in 1954. During his high school years he enjoyed playing football, often surprising his opponents with his fierce competitive spirit and spunk.
He went to work on road construction after high school and ended up working on the ore boats on the Great Lakes. During the steel strike in 1956 he came home and married Freda Goforth on Friday, July 13, 1956. He and Freda bought a farm in the Raymondville area and remained on the “home place” for all of their 58 years and 10 months of marriage. They had two sons, Randy Kell and Terry Kell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Oliver and Fay; and one sister, Violet Kell.
He is survived by his wife, Freda, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Rhonda Kell of Raymondville, Mo.; a son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Pam Kell of Raymondville, Mo.; grandchildren, Nicole Kell Spencer and husband, Jerrod, of Licking, Mo., Ryan Kell and wife, Nicole, of Raymondville, Mo., Ashley Kell Martin and husband, Chad, of Edgar Springs, Mo., and, Kaitlyn Kell, Ashton Kell and Alex Kell of Raymondville, Mo.; great-grandchildren, Evan, Owen and Addison Spencer, Wyatt and Molly Kell and Tripp Martin.
Bobbie worked on road construction for over 60 years, helping to build highways all over the state of Missouri. He worked for the Howard Construction and Don Maggai Construction companies, and for a time he worked for himself. He retired in 1995 and joined his son, Randy, doing custom work until 2012.
Bobbie was also a beef cow farmer. He spent all of his spare time tending to his cows and pastures. He could be found at area sale barns buying Dr. Peppers and visiting with his friends.
Bobbie had accepted Christ as his Savior and on May 21st, 2015, he left this earthly home, where he was cared for by loving hands, to be ushered into the Presence of the Lord by the arms of the angels.
His greatest enjoyment was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Graveside services were held May 24, 2015, in Boone Creek Cemetery with Jackie Cooper officiating. Pallbearers were Ashton Kell, Alex Kell, Ryan Kell, Jarrod Spencer, Chad Martin and Evan Spencer. Honorary pallbearers were Wyatt Kell, Owen Spencer and Tripp Martin. Services were under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Texas County Hospice of Care, In lieu of floral arrangements. To send an online condolence, please go to www.evansfh.com.
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