Benjamin L. Sells

Benjamin L. Sells, 69, of Galesburg, IL, passed away at 10:39 a.m., Thursday, December 21, 2023, at his home.

He was born on April 8, 1954 in Burlington, IA the son of Benjamin C. and Phyllis (West) Sells. Ben attended Oquawka Grade School and attended Union High School.

Ben married Lydia (Kulp) Williamson.  He later married Deborah K. Tweed on October 24, 1986 at the Gladstone Methodist Church, Gladstone, IL.

He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for many years as a track laborer and boilermaker.  He enjoyed working on, restoring, and showing cars and trucks.  Ben loved to cook.  Most of all, Ben liked spending time with his family, neighbors, and friends.

Ben is survived by his wife, Deborah Sells of Galesburg, IL; his children, James B. (Shannon VanBrooker) Sells of Oquawka, IL and Leigh Ann Sells of Oquawka, IL; three grandchildren, Jordan (Jordyn Peterson) Sells, Jacob Sells, and Jillian Sells all of Oquawka, IL, and Natalie Boyd of Monmouth, IL; one sister, Phyllis Sells (Ron Mortimer) Ross of Oquawka, IL; and two brothers, Todd (Corrina) Sells of Kirksville, MO and David (Catherine) Sells of Unionville, MO.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas C. “Tommy” Sells; and one sister, Peggy Sells Perry.

Graveside Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, IL.  No visitation hours are planned.  Memorials can be made to Benjamin Sells Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.