Joseph Kenyon Bell (1925-2016)

BELL, HAMMOND, JENSEN, NORTH, TOTTEN, CRAWFORD, BURROUGHS, PAULSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 9/3/2016 at 16:01:36

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Joseph Kenyon Bell was born on September 16, 1925, in Lake City, Iowa, to Joseph Raymond and Hortensia (Hammond) Bell. After moving to Ames, Iowa, at the age of 5, Kenyon attended Ames schools until he graduated in 1943. During World War II, Kenyon served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 around the globe including the Pacific Theatre. He then attended Drake University, where he graduated with a BA degree in Music. He furthered his education by receiving his Master of Education from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

Kenyon met Ramona Jensen during the summer he stayed home working at his parent’s hardware store in Harlan, Iowa. They later were married at Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan on December 30, 1955. They thought that since the church was already dolled up for the holiday; why not take advantage of the beautiful arrangements!

Kenyon’s education career included teaching music at the elementary level and as a principal for 20 years. After moving to Ames, God led Kenyon to leave teaching and become a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service for 18 years, retiring in 1988. Kenyon was a member of CrossRoad Baptist (formerly Campus Baptist) in Ames and was able to volunteer as a choir director, worship leader, and pianist. He was also a self taught piano tuner and taught himself sign language, which he used for the deaf at church.

Kenyon’s love of the arts was what kept him energetic to the end. He was a fan of classical music and opera. Even in his final days, though his sight was fading, his mind was sharp enough to recall who sang or played the part in … “you name the classic”.

Saturday, August 6, 2016, Kenyon went home to heaven where he now sings with a new voice and walks along the golden streets with all who have gone before him.

Kenyon’s first love in his life was the Heavenly Father that he sits next to today, but the love of his life will always be his family that survives him: Ramona, his wife of 60 years, of Ames; Cynthia (John) North, of Harlan; Karla (Jeff) Totten, of Troy, MI; Timothy (Liz) Bell, of Townshend, VT; Becky (John) Crawford, of Ames; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and his brother, Melvin (Jonita) Bell, of Ames.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Laura (Noel) Burroughs and Mildred (Hans) Paulson.

Flowers will die and wither away. Instead, we believe Kenyon would have asked that memorials be designated to CrossRoad Baptist Church, 57011 US HWY 30, Ames, Iowa 50010.

Funeral Service
AUG 13. 11:00 AM
Adams Funeral Home & Cremation Service
502 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA, US, 50010

Graveside Service
AUG 13. 12:00 PM
Ames Municipal Cemetery
310 E 9th St.
Ames, IA, US

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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