In Memory Of
Dr. Howard Bell, Sr.
1931
2022
Dr. Howard Bell, Sr.
December 21, 1931 — December 8, 2022
Dr. Donald Howard Bell, Sr., age 90, passed away at home surrounded by his family on December 8, 2022.
He was born December 21, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to Harold F. and Govadina J. Bell.
Don served our country in the United States Army, was awarded the National Defense Service Award, and was honorably discharged as Corporal in 1956.
He was united in marriage to Faith Naomi Fry on July 12, 1952, and they made their home in Michigan, California, Texas and Kansas.
Don flourished in many professions, including teaching, church choir directing, home building, and banking. He believed his greatest profession was during his philanthropic years, and was blessed to support countless young people at various ministries, nonprofits and universities.
With great pride, Don served as Drum Major in the 76th United States Army Band, with formative years playing in the Salvation Army Band. His love for music included years as a director, including the recording of The Omega Singers album. His melodic legacy would culminate with his vision and gift that resulted in the Bell Cultural Events Center at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Don was active in his church and community, serving as a board member of College Church of the Nazarene, Board of Trustees at MidAmerica Nazarene University and Olivet Nazarene University, and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce as president. Don was awarded Kansas City's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1993 and was named as Olathe's Citizen of the Year in 2006. Olivet Nazarene University awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in 2004. Don played basketball at Olivet, and his love for sports led to a legacy gift that became the Bell Family Arena on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Faith, his children Donald H., Jr. (Pamela), Deanna R., and H. Frank (Julianne); grandchildren Brandon (Audra), Cambria, Brody (Janae), Brenton (Jonel), Crista (Thaddeus), Mattie (Jonathan), Charlie, Millie and Michael; great-grandchildren Tyson, Quinton, Nora, Tory, Jase, Elin, Noelle, Jude and son-in-law Jeff and daughter-in-law Joni.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Judith F. Hooven, and his son, James H. Bell, and brother Jack H. Bell, and sisters Gertrude Watson and Barbara Chupp.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Bell Scholarship Fund at MidAmerica Nazarene University, 2030 E College Way, Olathe, KS 66062.
To leave a message for Don's family, or to share a special memory, click on the "Share Memories" button above.
He was born December 21, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to Harold F. and Govadina J. Bell.
Don served our country in the United States Army, was awarded the National Defense Service Award, and was honorably discharged as Corporal in 1956.
He was united in marriage to Faith Naomi Fry on July 12, 1952, and they made their home in Michigan, California, Texas and Kansas.
Don flourished in many professions, including teaching, church choir directing, home building, and banking. He believed his greatest profession was during his philanthropic years, and was blessed to support countless young people at various ministries, nonprofits and universities.
With great pride, Don served as Drum Major in the 76th United States Army Band, with formative years playing in the Salvation Army Band. His love for music included years as a director, including the recording of The Omega Singers album. His melodic legacy would culminate with his vision and gift that resulted in the Bell Cultural Events Center at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Don was active in his church and community, serving as a board member of College Church of the Nazarene, Board of Trustees at MidAmerica Nazarene University and Olivet Nazarene University, and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce as president. Don was awarded Kansas City's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1993 and was named as Olathe's Citizen of the Year in 2006. Olivet Nazarene University awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in 2004. Don played basketball at Olivet, and his love for sports led to a legacy gift that became the Bell Family Arena on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Faith, his children Donald H., Jr. (Pamela), Deanna R., and H. Frank (Julianne); grandchildren Brandon (Audra), Cambria, Brody (Janae), Brenton (Jonel), Crista (Thaddeus), Mattie (Jonathan), Charlie, Millie and Michael; great-grandchildren Tyson, Quinton, Nora, Tory, Jase, Elin, Noelle, Jude and son-in-law Jeff and daughter-in-law Joni.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Judith F. Hooven, and his son, James H. Bell, and brother Jack H. Bell, and sisters Gertrude Watson and Barbara Chupp.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Bell Scholarship Fund at MidAmerica Nazarene University, 2030 E College Way, Olathe, KS 66062.
To leave a message for Don's family, or to share a special memory, click on the "Share Memories" button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. Howard Bell, Sr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, December 17, 2022
9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)
College Church
Service
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)
College Church
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