Ned Franklin Bell, devoted husband and father, 90, passed away in Bradenton, FL on January 6, 2024. Ned was born in Brazil, Indiana to the late John Ray Bell, Sr. and Catherine Martha Emmert on April 27, 1933.
Ned married Shirley Lawrence in 1955 and they were married for more than 62 years until her death. They raised 3 children, LuAnn, Larry, and Lori. Over the years, Ned and Shirley lived in Brazil and Newport, IN, Downers Grove, IL, and Paw Paw, MI. They wintered for several years in Bradenton, FL, and retired full time to Bradenton in 2006.
He is survived by his sister, Mildred Dierdorf; brother, Warren Bell (Sandy); daughters, LuAnn Rohde (Jeff), and Lori Hornick (Scot); grandchildren, Robert Hornick (Lindsay Ellch), Max Hornick (Patrick Blasco), and Kali Hornick; and greatgrandchildren Theodore and Willow.
He is predeceased by his wife, Shirley (2018); son, Larry (2006); brothers, John (Jr), Herman, and William Bell, and sister MaryJane Timberman.
Ned attended Brazil High School, Indiana State University (BS), and Evangelical Theological Seminary (Master of Arts & Religion). He was in the United States Army and served in the Korean Conflict for 2 years.
Ned was the Administrator of the Downers Grove Park District from July 1973 – May 1996. He led the district with major expansion of parks and recreation services. Under his leadership, in 1983 the district won the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in parks and recreation management presented by the National Parks and Recreation Association. On August 7, 2015, the Downers Grove Park District dedicated Ned Bell Park to honor his contribution to the community.
In 1976, he was instrumental in the founding of SEASPAR, South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation in the Downers Grove, IL, area. He served as President and then Treasurer of the Association. He also served on the board of the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities in the western suburbs of Chicago from 1986 to 1992 serving as Vice-President in 1988 and then President in 1991. Ned was always active in his church community wherever he lived. Upon moving to Bradenton, he was active at Trinity United Methodist Church singing in the choir, leading small groups, and chairing the Missions Committee.
Ned had many hobbies including painting, carving, photography, collecting carved ducks, swimming, and especially gardening. He was a member of the Bradenton-Sarasota Rose Society.
Ned was devoted to family, church, and community. His love for people was evident in everything he did. His quick smile and twinkling blue eyes endeared him to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be 11 AM January 20, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Missions at Trinity United Methodist Church.
