Thereon Buechler Bell

Thereon Buechler Bell Sr. affectionately known to many as “T Bell,” transitioned peacefully at the age of 72 on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 8:36 a.m. at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, Illinois.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Jean Anglin, Thereon was raised in the Danville community where he attended local schools and proudly graduated with his high school diploma in 1971. He later pursued higher education, earning a certification in Computer Awareness Training from Danville Area Community College in 1986, followed by an Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming Technology from Vincennes University in 1988.

Thereon served his country honorably in the United States military as Sergeant Thereon Bell, Grade E4, receiving an honorable discharge in 1976. His professional career spanned more than four decades with General Motors/Powertrain, where he worked at various locations throughout the Midwest. After 43 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2009 from the Indianapolis Powertrain location.

Outside of his career, Thereon found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing cards and games on his cell phone, listening to music from the comfort of his car, and spending cherished time with family and friends.

Thereon’s legacy continues through his loving wife, Christine Bell; his son, Thereon Bell, Jr.; and three bonus children: Roger (Sherie) Croom-Crosby of Evansville, IN; Mario (Tiffany) Crosby of Cahokia, IL; and Latoria Croom of Indianapolis, IN. He was the proud grandfather of Thereon Lucas of Minneapolis, MN, and great-grandfather of Maira Lucas of Danville, IL. He also embraced 10 bonus grandchildren, including two special granddaughters he helped raise—Legendary “Mooka” Brigham and Loyalty “LoLo” Croom—as well as 29 bonus great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Sam (Bert) Crosby Jr., Linda (Ray) Hillsman, Patricia (Robert) Miller, and Lavonna Brown. He held close friendships with Michael Thomas Sr., Martin D. Jimson, Lee Grace, Marlon, Butch Vander, and Sherman Hocketta shared a special bond with his cousin Chris Davis.

Thereon was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Anglin; In-Laws; Sam and Addie Crosby, aunts : JoAnn Vander , Lena Price; Marecella Scranton, Burnhilda Willis; Jimmella Glenn;  uncles Pastor Elder John Bell, Deacon Charles Willis cousins : Patricia Liggins, Levivian Hocketta;  Chucky Vander & Ricky Vander; brother in-law Stanley Crosby, maternal grandparents John Henry and Nannie Bell; his best friend, Charles “Chuck” Cross; and two bonus granddaughters, Taliah Brigham and Nyarri Croom-Crosby.

A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon Saturday September 27, 2025 at New Life Church of Faith 1419 N. Bowman Ave. Eulogist: Pastor Bobby R. Keys. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will be held at Danville National Cemetery Monday September 29, 2025.

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