FRANK TED KELL

FRANK TED KELL Frank Ted Kell, 91, entered eternal glory on May 6, 2024. Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, he was offered a scholarship to attend seminary at Yale University, but through prayer and parental influence, he chose instead to attend David Lipscomb College. Within three weeks, this choice was confirmed in large part by meeting and eventually marrying the love of his life for 65 years, Evelyn Cole, from TN. Their partnership in life and ministry gave birth to both children and churches, having served as a church planter and an evangelist for congregations in TN (Manchester: 1954-1957), WI (Janesville: 1958-1070), and TX (Brownwood: 1983-1998). Ted also was an instructor for the Sunset School of Preaching (now Sunset Bible Institute) from 1970-1983, the goal being to multiply his efforts of evangelism by training, maturing, and sending out preachers of the Gospel throughout the United States and the world with a special focus on Wisconsin. His passionate calling for sharing the Story of Jesus for over 70 years took him to almost all the American states as well as multiple foreign countries. A lifetime of ministry involved preaching in hundreds of gospel meetings, writing Bible curriculum for Christian camps, speaking at college lectureships, developing spiritual leadership, teaching song-leading and congregational singing, penning numerous encouragement cards/letters, keynoting Biblical enrichment seminars for churches, serving as a police chaplain, and conducting countless weddings and funerals. Beginning in his collegiate sophomore year, Ted decided to read through the Bible at least once annually, which served him well throughout his life as he committed large portions of Scripture to memory. His integrity was unquestioned and his joy was infectious. He loved preaching and nurturing people of all ages in the church. His later years were marked by a kind and sweet gentleness of spirit. A lifelong Razorback, Ted's wide range of interests included chasing whitetail deer and rainbow trout; riding his beloved vintage BMW motorcycle over 100,000 miles; tinkering on various motors and appliances; playing numerous rounds of Rook; crafting beautiful products from his woodshed for his children and grandkids; savoring country ham and redeye gravy; and giving memorable nicknames to all family members and dear friends (he rarely forgot a name). He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, and his son, Mark. He is survived by four children: Steve (and wife Maria Richardson, TX), Karla (and husband Randy Gerdes Garland, TX), Jina (and husband Gerald Hinson Snohomish, WA), and Shawn (and wife Cindy Tomball, TX); 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life was held at the Austin Ave. Church of Christ in Brownwood, TX, on Saturday, June 29th, at 11 AM. The church also hosted a Singing & Fellowship on Friday, June 28th, at 7 PM, followed by a time of visiting with the family. Memorial gifts can be sent to either the Sunset Bible Institute (Lubbock, TX) or to Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp.