Maynard "Lee" Bell, age 72, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 21, 2024.

Lee grew up in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania until the 9th grade when the family moved to Wakeman, Ohio in 1968. In his junior year he attended EHOVE as one of the first students to complete the two-year carpentry program. After graduation from Western Reserve High School in 1971, Lee embarked on a career in carpentry working for various construction firms. Eventually he formed his own construction company, Bell Construction based in Huron, OH, with his younger brother, Mark Bell. Carpentry was a passion for Lee, and he excelled in his craftsmanship.

Lee also served the Huron community as a volunteer fireman and EMT. He eventually became president of the Volunteer Fireman Association and had fond memories of driving the Blue Goose. During this time, Lee met the love of his life, Alicen Horton from Cincinnati, Ohio and was married August 10, 1984. They had two children, Megan, and Brian, whom Lee dearly loved.

Throughout his life, Lee was devoted to providing for his family. In addition to remodeling and building homes, Lee drove trucks for several firms, including New Horizons Bakery, Dauch Concrete, Schwerman Trucking, North Canton Transfer, Homan Transportation, and Sunrise (Agronomy). He also worked for Ropper Construction doing street reconstruction.

After retiring, Lee continued to work part-time as a security guard at Huron River Valley Campground. This was a perfect fit for Lee because he loved being outdoors, chatting with the campers, and doing construction projects for the owners, who were like family to him.

Lee's many hobbies included hunting, fishing, carpentry, canoeing, boating, hiking, and watching old westerns on TV. He was a dedicated family man, a reliable friend, and an unassuming mentor to many people in the local area. His sense of humor and adventuresome spirit drew people to him, which will leave many missing Lee's smile.

Lee is survived by his wife, Alicen D. (Horton) Bell, of Norwalk, OH; his daughter Megan (Mark) Walker of Liberty Township, OH; his son Brian (Angella Moos) Bell of Bellevue, OH; his brother Mark (Jane) Bell of Berlin Heights, OH; and his sister Barbara (Paul) Jensen of Nacogdoches, TX; and his brother-in-law, Larry French, of Wakeman, OH. Lee is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verna M. (Brundage) Bell and Maynard W. Bell, Jr., a younger brother, Matthew R. Bell, and younger sister, Valerie A. French.

A celebration of life will be held at Walker Eastman Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk, OH on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Calling hour is at 10:00AM with the service immediately following at 11:00AM. Burial with committal service will follow at Milan Cemetery in Milan, OH. Luncheon will follow the burial at Townsend Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to your local fire department or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com