Clyde Kenneth "Kenny" Bell Jr.

Kenny Bell 86, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2024. Kenny was born July 6, 1937, to the late Clyde and Edith Bell of Kansas City, Kansas. Kenny was a 1955 Graduate of Rosedale High School where he was an honor student, an exceptional athlete and an accomplished trumpet player. The Class of ‘55 was a special group that he held close to his heart. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

On a hot August day in 1959 he married the love of his life and high school Sweetheart, Judith Ann Butler. They enjoyed over 61 years of marriage and more than 67 years together after he first asked her out to the 1953 Rosedale Valentines Day Dance. Together they raised four children: Scott and his wife Sue of Lake Lanier, Georgia; Michael and his wife Gayle of Surprise, Arizona; Timothy of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and Angela of Surprise, Arizona. Three grandchildren; Justin and Blake Bell of Roswell, Georgia, and Savannah Bell of Surprise, Arizona. He is also survived by his Brother- in-Law Robert Butler and his wife Kathy of Olathe, Kansas and Nephews Patrick and Steve Butler, their families, and several cousins and extended family all over the country. Unfortunately, Judy preceded him in death in 2020.

Kenny attended the University of Kansas and then transferred to the University of Michigan to help start the Michigan Chapter of The Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity. He finished his education by graduating from Emporia State University with Bachelor of Science Degrees Majoring in Physics and Mathematics with a Minor in Physical Education. He then began his career as an engineer for Western Electric, which led him to move his young family to Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Kenny spent his entire career with Western Electric as it changed to AT&T and then Lucent Technologies. His duties at Western Electric allowed him to travel all over the world promoting the products he helped design at the manufacturing plant that employed so many residents of Lee’s Summit.

To say that Kenny loved to travel would be an incredible understatement. His favorite comment was “been there”. which would happen almost anytime you were watching TV or having conversation. Who knows how many actual miles he spent on the road with Judy and the family traveling to the beach, the Ozarks or his beloved Rocky Mountains? Always ready to go at a moment’s notice. He recently was able to take an extended trip to see family and friends in Arizona and Colorado. Up to the very end, he never lost his love to visit his favorite places or experience new adventures.

At 17 years old, Kenny enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves where he received his basic training at the Olathe Naval Air Station. His career with the Navy would last 42 years, 6 months and 24 days. Chief Petty Officer Bell logged an incredible 6000+ hours of flight time as a Plane Captain/Flight Engineer on PB-4Y Privateer, P2-V Neptune and P-3A Orion Aircraft as a member of the VP-67 Thunder Hawk Squadron. Chief Bell was extremely proud of his military service, and he absolutely loved to fly. He enjoyed getting together with his Navy Buddies for their monthly lunches. Kenny’s need for speed and excitement led to one of his other passions of riding motorcycles. One of the biggest decisions he had to make was which one of his Harleys he would ride on that particular day. He was a long-time member of the Topeka HOG Chapter and enjoyed so many activities and trips with his fellow riders.

We all recall spending night after night at the ballpark or football stadium. “Pa Bell’ as all the kids called him, was a coach to so many in the community. He attended their sporting events as often as he could. Of course, he was a huge Royals and Chiefs fan. The other place you would find him would be on the golf course. Coming from a golfing family he had no choice but to truly love the game of golf. He had the honor to play with the same group of guys in their weekly golf league for over fifty years, however, his favorite foursome was playing with his three sons. He played as recently as two weeks before his passing. The golf clubs were always within reach and ready. He had a great group of friends that he cherished dearly and there are far too many to name individually.

Kenny was known for his quick wit, his endless generosity, his huge heart and his beaming smile with bright blue eyes that would light up the room. God Speed “Pa Bell”, you will truly be missed by all that knew you. Love Always!

There will be a private family service at a later date. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.