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BORN
1935
DIED
2019
Steve Bell Obituary
Muncie - Stephen S. Bell, 83, passed away at his home in Muncie, Indiana on Friday, January 25, 2019. Born to Howard Arthur Bell and Florence Scott Bell in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on December 9, 1935, Bell was an ABC News correspondent and the first Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Endowed Chair in Telecommunications at Ball State University. In his 30 plus years at ABC, Bell covered social upheavals that shaped the nation including the Newark and East Harlem riots, major anti-war protests in Washington D.C., the assassination and funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and he was on-the-scene at the shooting of Senator Robert Kennedy (1968). As a war correspondent in Vietnam and Indochina (1970-1971), Bell and his camera crew were captured by Viet Cong and held at gunpoint before being released. Bell also served as ABC News bureau chief in Hong Kong before returning to the U.S. to cover Watergate. Bell was also the first news anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America" (1975-1986). Following his career at ABC, Bell anchored at KYW-TV in Philadelphia before moving to Muncie in 1992 to join Ball State University. During his 15 years at Ball State, Bell taught the foundational course in Telecommunications ethics, supervised student televised newscasts and deeply valued mentoring future news professionals. He also served as Department of Telecommunications chair for two years. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and U.S. history from Central College in Pella, Iowa and obtained his Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
Bell is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joyce Dillavou Bell; their two daughters, Allison K. Bell (husband Cesar Genders) and Hilary A. Borlack (husband Scott Borlack); along with six grandchildren: Geoffrey Politinsky, Samantha Politinsky, Sean Borlack, Daniel Genders, Troi Genders and Riley Bates. He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Bell Rexroth and Carol Bell Gowan. Services will be held in Muncie on Saturday, February 23, 2019 with a public reception to follow at Ball State's Emens Auditorium at 1 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Steve Bell Memorial Fund (7413) to support students and scholarship at Ball State University; details are forthcoming. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Steve Bell
Amy Minhinnick
February 18, 2019
RIP Steve Bell
Mary Lee (Lyle) Larson
February 13, 2019
So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Our sincere condolences to Joyce and family. Mary Lee (Lyle) Larson.
Barbara Wolf
February 7, 2019
I knew Steve and his parents when he was growing up in Iowa. He had a wonderful family. His father, Howard sang in the choir that my mother directed in the Central Methodist Church in Oskaloosa. His mother was my Sunday School teacher. He was younger than I, but our paths crossed a great deal. He was a wonderful young person, and I have fond memories. I am so very proud of all that he has accomplished in his lifetime.
February 7, 2019
Footnote to my original condolence and to perhaps bring a smile in regard to wonderful Steve: The circle into which I was welcomed when we all lived in Potomac, Maryland, included Steve and Joyce as well as Ted and Grace Anne Koppel and Mr. and Mrs. Barrie Dunsmore. Steve jokingly told me the only reason he wanted to visit our house was because I was the only one in that circle who owned a pool table! He and I and others played on that table frequently and he showed me how to rack up the balls without a rack, forming a perfect triangle with ones arms. I still do that. The memories are very vivid concerning those halcyon days, made more halcyon thanks to Steve and Joyce's warmth and kindness. Joyce was my piano teacher during those years. Again, deepest sympathy and I'm sorry and very saddened to state I won't be able to attend the memorial service in Muncie February 23rd. I wanted and want to be there more than words could convey. Although the reason for being there is sad, I was also looking forward to being with Ted Koppel and Mort Crim again, both of whom will be delivering eulogies at the services. Travel connections and a "must do" work schedule are preventing my attendance. Blessings to all who will be able to pay tribute to Steve in person.
How you can show support
Barry ZeVan
February 5, 2019
Steve was a wonderful friend to me. Deepest sympathy, to say the least, to Joyce, Allison and Hillary. I will hope to be able to attend the service.
Tom Cochrun
February 3, 2019
It was a joy to get to know Steve upon his arrival at Ball State.
A documentary and program production company I founded after leaving daily journalism offered an opportunity to utilize Steve's skills and expertise. He was a consummate pro and a marvelous story teller.
While he was a delightful companion, Steve was most impressive in his ability to teach, inspire and mentor young broadcast journalists. He came to Ball State as a big name in the industry, but he made an even bigger and more enduring impact as a devoted educator.
As a broadcaster on the front lines of major events and in an academic setting, Steve made a difference and touched lives.
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