Retired Police Chief, Terry M. Bell, age 55 of Highland, IL, died Saturday, August 11, 2018, at His residence in Highland, IL.
He was born January 20, 1963, in Mattoon, IL, the son of Betty Mehl (nee Bell).
On December 27, 1992, he married Brenna J. Perkins at Collinsville, IL.
He was a member of Southern IL Police Chief Association; Southern IL Law Enforcement Commission; National Police Chief Association; FBI National Academy; Highland Rotary Club; Lee Iten American Legion Post # 439 Highland, IL .
Terry was born in Mattoon, IL and 1981 graduate of Mattoon High School where he starred in basketball. He attended Lakeland College where he also excelled in basketball. He joined the US Marine Corps and drove amphibious landing craft at Camp Pendleton, CA. After his hitch in the service he attended McKendree College and St. Louis University earning a BA in Criminal Justice and a Masters from Lindenwood University in Human Resources Management. He worked as a police officer at National City and Freeburg. The then worked in Law Enforcement for 20 years in Collinsville. He retired as Assistant Chief in 2009. In 2007 he graduated from the FBI Academy. He came to Highland in January of 2009 as Police Chief, retiring August 3, 2018. Terry enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, camping, traveling, hiking, collecting Police Pins and Coins, and kayaking. Terry was very devoted to the Highland Police Department.
Survivors include :
Wife – Brenna J. Bell nee Perkins, Highland, IL
Daughter – Jessica M. Bell, Highland, IL
Daughter – Jenna G. (Jonathan) Biernbaum, Saint Peters, MO
He was preceded in death by :
Mother – Betty J. Mehl nee Bell – Died 7/24/2010
Sister – Willie R. Estrada – Died 2006
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 17, 2018, at Highland Middle School in Highland, IL and from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Highland Middle School in Highland, IL.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Highland Middle School at 2813 State Route 160 in highland, IL 62249.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christmas With A Cop-Highland PD ; Backstoppers ; Child Advocacy Center Wood River; Relevant Pregnancy Options Center.
