Warren James Bell

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Memorial services for Warren James Bell, 86, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2015 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, KS. There will also be a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Burr United Methodist Church in Burr, NE. Inurnment will follow at Wilcox Cemetery in Burr, NE. Warren passed away Monday, July 6, 2015 in Lawrence surrounded by his family.
He was born September 6, 1928 in Superior, NE the son of John Ernest and Lucy (Keifer) Bell.
He graduated high school from Guide Rock, NE. He attended the University of Nebraska where he received his Bachelors in Education and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He then received his Master’s Degree from the University of Kansas.
Warren served his country in the United States Army from 1951 – 1953 during the Korean War as a small arms instructor.
He was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church and a member of Kiwanis. Warren was a scout leader. He enjoyed photography, traveling, genealogy and had a deep appreciation of Native American Culture and art. He continued to grow in study, spirituality and faith. His family was his garden.
He began his teaching career as superintendent of schools at Burr, Nebraska, and continued his career at the Kansas State Department of Education in Topeka, Kansas. He finished his career as the Assistant Commissioner of Instruction until he retired in 1990.
He married Barbara Lee Ballard June 7, 1953 in Douglas, NE. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his four children, Gregg Warren Bell, Julesburg, CO, Susan Renè Rich and husband, Mark, Tucson, AZ, Julie Ann Bruington, Independence, KS, Lisa Bell-Perico and husband, Doug, Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Jeremy Bruington, Jessica Bruington, Kyle Bell, Erin Bell, Shabrie Perico, Cambria Perico, Damon Perico; sister, Julia Fuchs and husband, Lawrence; and brother, Samuel Bell and wife, Glenny. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Bell; and son-in-law, Jeff Bruington.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Plymouth Congregational Church, American Cancer Society or the National Kidney Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.