Joseph E. Bell

Joseph E. Bell, 93, of Woodburn, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2016. Born on August 22, 1922, in Charlottesville, he was a son of the late Paul and Adaline Bell. After attending a year at Ball State University, Joe enlisted into the Army, in 1942. He was stationed at the Eiffel Tower as a cryptographic technician, decoding messages during WWII. In 1945 he was honorably discharged from the Army, and returned to Ball State to receive his Master’s Degree in Education. Joe met the love of his life Joan Whitcraft while attending Ball State and they were married on November 22, 1947. Joe was a high school business teacher having taught at Marion High School, Elkhart High School and Woodlan High School until his retirement in 1984. Joe was a high school baseball coach and played semi-pro softball for the Draper Dodgers; he loved watching baseball, horses, woodworking, enjoyed gardening and loved his family.

He is survived by his children, Nancy (Ben) Needham and Stephen (Joyce) Bell; grandchildren, Kara Needham, Jackie Needham, Justin (Angela) Bell, Vicki (Eric) McDaniel, James (Sarah) Needham, Ashley (Jeremy) Malfait and Corbin Bell; nine great-grandchildren; three nieces and four nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends. He was also preceded in death by his wife Joan Bell; and brother, Robert Bell.

Funeral service will be 1pm, Saturday, March 26, at Hockemeyer Funeral Home, 17629 State Road 37, Harlan, with calling from 10am to 1pm, prior to service. Burial will be in Scipio Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to Honor Flight of NE Indiana.