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Steven Wayne Bell, affectionately known as Butch, passed away on January 8, 2025, at his home in Mill Creek, Oklahoma. Born on January 23, 1946, in Talihinia, Oklahoma, Butch was raised by his beloved granny, Alice Carhee Cass. He attended Pontotoc and Fittstown Schools and cherished time spent bow fishing and deer hunting with his special uncle, Albert. Butch worked as a carpenter, rancher, and concrete finisher. In his earlier years, he gained experience in the oil fields working alongside his uncle, Albert Wisdom. He proudly served his country in the National Guard. His love for rodeos, bull fights, OU football, and the Dallas Cowboys were among his favorite pastimes, along with enjoying the serenity of country living near his childhood home. Known for his good cup of coffee, Butch always had a fresh pot of coffee brewing. The highlights of his life included being a cowboy, attending rodeos, and having breakfast at Prairie Kitchen. He was admired for his positive outlook on life, teaching those around him to face challenges with a good attitude. Butch’s calm demeanor reflected his belief in savoring life's moments, never in a hurry despite life’s fast pace. Butch was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Wisdom Pendergraft; his father, James Bell, his granny, Alice Carhee Wisdom Cass; his uncle, Albert Wisdom; his aunts, Evelyn Wisdom Holland, Ruby Jean Mitchell Barlow, and Ruthy Mitchell Ellis; and his sister, Anita Wade. He leaves behind his brothers, Randy Wade and wife, Jennifer of Ravia, and Terry Fox and wife, Miki of Lone Grove; sisters, Paula Brown and husband Kelly of Ada, and Sherry Aker of Chickasha: aunts, Lillian Wisdom Underwood, and Jaunita Cass Moody, both of Mill Creek. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends who will deeply miss him. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 2 PM at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Seeley Cemetery in Connerville. Family hour will be held on Tuesday, January 14, from 6 to 8 PM. Pallbearers will be Larry “Choate” Wisdom, Gerald Wisdom, Dexter Underwood, Terry Fox, Matthew Wade, Paul Baken, Jeremiah Wade, and Jonas Wade. Honorary pallbearers include Andy Timmons and Bobby Miller. Arrangements were made under the direction and care of DeArman-Clark Funeral Home. Friends and family may leave online condolences on our website at www.dearmanfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Steven Wayne Bell "Butch"

January 23, 1946 - January 9, 2025