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Kenneth BELL Obituary

Kenneth W. Bell was quick off his first step and first dribble when he played basketball at Newport High School. It threw his opponents off, helping him become a member of the 1,000 Point Club and voted first team all region player in 1982.

"Kenny was 5'7" at the most. He had a contagious smile, unlike any I had seen," said Coach Grady Brown about the athlete he helped coach, alongside his brother Coach Ray Brown, from middle school to high school.

"He was left handed and you know it's a right handed world. He made it difficult on people who played against him, especially in basketball. But, he was a good baseball player too,"

Bell played on Newport's baseball team that same year as the starting outfielder. Bell hit over 300. Newport's team won the Regional Tournament and then went on to place fourth in state.

The coaches watched Bell's progression and encouraged him when he pursued playing college basketball. He played at Cincinnati State and competed in the 1985 National Invitation Tournament.

Mr. Bell, formerly of Erlanger and Newport, died March 14 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital from cancer. He was 48.

He was the son of Gloria Bell Quisenberry of Newport.

His friend Russell Bradford said, "We were so much alike, we hung around together all the time; every summer, every day all the way up until he joined the Army. We played at the Sixth Street basketball court. Everyone played there. That's where he developed a left hand jump shot that set him apart from others."

In October 2011, Facebook seemed an unlikely place for Charmaine Matavuli of Bloomington, Ind. to meet a stranger. Bell's picture popped up listing him as someone she might know. When she saw his smile, she decided to "friend him."

"We knew we were in love before we met (a month later)," Matavuli said.

Last year, while the couple's relationship grew, Mr. Bell was diagnosed with cancer in his leg. He went through a series of treatments and his outlook was bright. Matavuli understood what Bell was dealing with because she is a nurse. Their relationship grew even stronger. The couple married in January of this year.

"The biggest love of his life was his family, especially his youngest daughter Kennedy, she was his pride and joy," Matavuli said. "He was a good father."

Mr. Bell was an order entry specialist for Mazak Corporation, a U.S. Army veteran, a Dallas Cowboys fan, and he enjoyed playing fantasy football.

With his wife, survivors include a son, Kevin Williams; daughters, Kennedy Bell and Emma Matavuli; sisters, Rhonda Quisenberry and Teresa Crawford; brother, Raymond Crawford; and one granddaughter.

Burial is in St. Mary's Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.

Memorials: IU Health Hospice House, 2810 Deborah Dr. Bloomington, IN 47403 or to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences to www.pdcfuneralchapel.com.


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Published by Kentucky Enquirer from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth BELL

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42 Entries

You are so very missed, I think of you often an when I see my wonderful husband, Rob talking about u it puts a strain on my heart cuz I know he looked up to you in so many ways an he loves you so much!!! You & I were close an u know how much I loved you!!! I will always miss you an you will always hold a special piece to my heart!!! Love ya big cuz!!!

Kendra Franklin

December 5, 2014

Kenny w bell "KEN KEN" WOW WHERE CAN I START CUZ I remember when I was younger you an your crew took me every where from Newport Covington amry ft six street Randolph basketball courts you thought me everything an I always wanted to copy the kind of person you were an I almost have better smile na lol but I just want to say I will always look up to you an try to image your kindness to others falcons an firefighters wildcats for life love you always from your intier family friends kids will miss you "CUZ" Kenny bell A Newport HERO

robert franklin

December 5, 2014

It's been almost a year and I still think of you daily. I know you are looking down on Kennedy and keeping her safe. I miss you so much Kenny! I will see you again one day.

Tammie Turnbow

March 6, 2014

Thank you everyone for your concern my dad and I were so blessed to have you in our life..!

Kennedy Bell

May 19, 2013

RIP Kenny. We had some great times together. Love you and miss you.

Tammie turnbow

May 1, 2013

PEACE .. I pray for peace to my friend Kenny .. and peace to his family and friends.
'My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them ne afraid.'
-John. 14:27

Debbie Moore

April 25, 2013

I went to school with Kenny and he was a great man. He has such a contageous smile and was a friend to anyone who knew him. He was a great dad to Kennedy and anyone who knew him knew he loved her unconditionally and wanted nothing but the best for her. Wherever you are sweet Kennedy do know that your daddy will always be your guardian angel. RIP my friend

Kim Brandenburg

March 31, 2013

RIP Kenny, you will be missed.

Bill Blasingame

March 27, 2013

Kenny Bell....You are the love of my life. I am so thankful and proud to be your wife. I will never forget how many times you said to me,' I am the luckiest man in the world',as you lay so sick in the hospital bed. That's the kind of man you are, the kind of man I married. Always finding the good in things. I know how happy you were that me, you, little k, and Emma became a family. While I am so very sad that our time was cut so short, I am forever grateful that we found each other and will treasure our time together always. I love you baby, Rest in peace. You deserve it so. I carry your heart....I carry your heart in my heart.

Charmaine Matavuli

March 25, 2013

Grief is said to be a necessary part of the healing process and of learning to adapt to the new situation. There is an empty space where before there was a living human. We need to adjust to life without that person. Grief may provide a necessary emotional release. Of course, not everyone grieves in exactly the same way. One thing, though, seems to hold true: Repressing your grief can be harmful mentally, emotionally, and physically. May the scripture at Isaiah 61:1,2 bring you all comfort.

Jovonne Rowe

March 25, 2013

Kenny.. an awesome kind man...I loved being around you...you were so caring...Thank you for good times...It so sad you had to leave..Kennedy he loved you more than anything ...He's still watching over you...RIP Kenny...You are so missed!!

marlene Young

March 25, 2013

R.I.P KENNY

CATHY BICKERS POMPILIO

March 24, 2013

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Bell Family

Lowe Family

March 23, 2013

Rip in Peace.

Steven Jackson

March 23, 2013

What a huge loss this world has experienced. Kenny, you were such a wonderful man and father. I think of you daily and will see you again...

Love and prayers to all of Kenny's family and friends.

Kennedy, you surely knew you were your dad's pride and joy. May you always have his strength and his love for life!

Tammy Chance

March 23, 2013

I knew him in high school for a few years. He was always smiling and polite. He will be greatly miss. God bless him in heaven and his friends and family !!!

John Bloomfield

March 23, 2013

To Kenny's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Kenny's laughter and his contagious smile.

Angi Bowling Dill

March 23, 2013

Kenny,
We have been friends since high school. I remember watching you play basketball, you were a talented player. I have fond memories of you coming over to watch football. You always had a large smile on your face and a hug to give each time I saw you. Your will be missed my friend.
Condolences to the family and to all his friends that loved Kenny. To Kennedy: your father was a wonderful man that loved you dearly. He was so proud of you, and I know you will continue to make him proud as he continues to watch over you.
Many blessings to all and may peace be upon you.

Lynda Sudduth

March 23, 2013

What a great person!!! RIP Kenny!

March 23, 2013

Although I did not really know him, I can still remember seeing him smile from ear to ear, and when something really struck him, I can remember how hard he laughed. It saddens me to think we lost another one of our classmates. I know you are in a better place now with God, looking down at all of us. Holy Spirit, I ask you to wrap your arms around Ken's family and friends and fill them with your peace and love.

Kathi Abner

March 22, 2013

The class of 1982 will miss you brother.

Doug Rollinger

March 22, 2013

Kenny, did not hang out much in school growing up but I will miss you and may God Bless your family and give them the peace that passes all understanding.PS we are Newport Wildcats & great basketball player

Doug Rollinger

March 22, 2013

Kennedy,
I wanted to share with you that I know that your dad loved you very much and that he was proud of you. You are a very special young lady. May you find comfort in knowing that your dad will always watch over you.
All my prayers,
Miss Molly

Molly Reynolds

March 21, 2013

You are greatly missed and loved. May you rest in peace.

Tammy Kaiser

March 21, 2013

My thoughts and prayers to Ken's family. A great man and great friend who will be missed.

Larry Anders

March 20, 2013

To the Bell family and Kenny's Close Friends, Sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.

Julie Ferrel

March 20, 2013

I extend my family's condolences to the family of Kenneth W. Bell, cherish his legacy and may the Spirit of God comfort you all.

"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah" 35:10

Newport mourns the loss of a sports legend: a son, brother, father, husband, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend

With sympathy and prayer,
LeNora McDay-Tyler

March 20, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll miss Kenny and his infectious smile and humor. I remember the days at the Boys Club in Newport, and when his grade school basketball team kicked our butts, and what a great player was in high school and an even better person!

Tom Arnzen

March 20, 2013

To the Family of Kenny Bell. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.I was deeply saddened to hear of Kenny's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Patricia Mann-Williams & Family

Patricia Mann-Williams

March 20, 2013

Kenny and his love ones will always be in my prayers

Michelle Green

March 19, 2013

Kenny and his love ones will always be in my prayers

Michelle Green

March 19, 2013

To the family of Kenny Bell your family will be in my prayers. Right now it seems not to be fair but God knows best and in time the tears will stop and your heart will be at peace till you see him again. Be strong and keep God close to you.

Christine Graham (Casey)

March 19, 2013

Tyrone Tevis

March 19, 2013

May God be with and Bless the family always, in Your Son Jesus Name, Amen..

rod & inez dillingham

March 19, 2013

Sweet Kennedy, We are so sorry for your loss. It is a loss of a wonderful dad and man. We love you! Mike, Jen and Abigail Means

March 19, 2013

Kennedy, I'm sorry about the loss of your father. I know you will miss him.
Melody Barbour from Whiz Kids

March 19, 2013

Rhonda Quisenberry Shelton

March 19, 2013

Rest in Peace Kenny. May His perpetual light shine upon you.

Nick Boschert

March 19, 2013

The Stiner & Ferrel Families

March 19, 2013

My thoughts & prayers to all of Kenny's family & friends at this very difficult time. He truly will be missed by his NHS Alumni friends I have great memories to cherish of a very special person! Rip Kenny The Stiner & Ferrel Families

March 19, 2013

I will see you again my friend.

John Owens

March 18, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John Owens

March 18, 2013

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