Henry dba Steve Bell Calvin Asbell

Bell collapsed while doing what he loved most – working in the KCUR newsroom and preparing the day’s afternoon newscast. Possessed of a resonant bass-baritone that carried both gravitas and personality, Bell’s voice was familiar to generations of Kansas Citians. He joined KCUR in 2000 after hosting news and talk programs on five AM and FM stations in Kansas City. For many years, he was the signature voice of KCPT Channel 19.

He began his radio career at KANU in Lawrence, Kansas in 1958 and recorded his first jingle for the HD Lee Co. in 1960.

He was born and raised in Kansas City, and attended Brookside Day School, Southwest High School and the University of Kansas. He earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1983.

One of his passions was bluegrass music. A lifelong “picker,” he liked to dabble, as he said, in guitar and banjo playing. He made many friends at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas.

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard L. Asbell and Mildred Asbell Maulsby.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, LaNora Asbell, his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Valerie, a sister, Bettie Asbell, five granddaughters, six great-grandchildren, and his two buddies, Moose and Sherwin.

Of her husband, LaNora said, “He was not a quitter. He’s been in the radio broadcasting business since he was 19.”

Son Steven said, “He was the best friend a son could have.”

Memorial services will be Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Country Club United Methodist Church, 57th and Wornall, Kansas City. A reception will follow the service where family can greet friends. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to Country Club United Methodist Church or Wayside Waifs.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.