Tom was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 13, 1949, the eldest son of Ted and Evelyn Bell. Tom was a lifelong Kansas City area resident and graduate of Center High School, 1967, before embarking on a long and successful career in the automobile industry. Tom was a member of Old Mission Lodge #153.
Slowed recently by medical issues, Tom remained vibrant, entertaining, and possessed a great wit and love of sports. Win or lose, Tom was an ardent supporter of both the Kansas City Royals and the Chiefs. They were “his teams” and a greater fan (and critic) is hard to imagine. Through last year, Tom competed earnestly against his eldest daughter in a shared Fantasy Football League. As one might expect, Tom enjoyed classic cars and was an active collector of sports memorabilia and sports related art. He was a fine chef, loved to cook, and could often be found sharing recipe’s and comments with family and his many friends on social media.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert and Steven, and a sister, Kris. He is survived by loving wife Xuifang Huang and five beautiful daughters; Tricia Povirk and Jing Ou of the Kansas City area, Stephanie Manhart, of Park City, Kansas, and Michele Bell and Kara Bell of Southern California. He was especially proud of his grandchildren; Parker and Payton Bell, and recent arrival, Avery Manhart. He closely watched, followed, and enjoyed their exploits and adventures with grandfatherly love.
Tom lived his life with great enthusiasm, energy and love. It was a life well-lived; he will be sorely missed. Those he’s left behind take comfort with the sure knowledge his next adventure will be with the Lord in his Heavenly Home.
Services will be held on Saturday July 21st, 2018 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. A Visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm with a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place following the services at Mount Moriah Cemetery.
