Teddy M "Ted" Bell, 68, of Liberty, MO, died Sunday, April 28, 2002, at the Liberty Hospital. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Liberty United Methodist Church, 1001 Sunset, Liberty, MO. Friends may call from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2002, at the Liberty United Methodist Church. The family suggests memorial contributions to the church. Mr. Bell was born May 21, 1933, in Milo, MO. He was the first-born son of Maurice A. and Lera (Cox) Bell. He lived in the Liberty area 56 years. He was a 1952 graduate of Liberty High School where he lettered in multiple sports. In 1956, he graduated from Missouri University at Columbia with a degree in agriculture. During college he was a member of the R.O.T.C., and following graduation he served in the U.S. Army Artillery from October 1956 until March of 1957, after which he served in the Army Reserves until 1963, when he was discharged with the rank of Captain. While he had a lifelong love of plants and nature, he made a career in the insurance business. He owned and operated Ted Bell and Associates Insurance Agency for more than 25 years. He was the founding President of the Clay-Platte Association of Life Underwriters. During his years as an insurance agent Ted touched the lives of countless individuals by his genuine compassion and acceptance of all people. He loved the "unlovable." Mr. Bell was a Life Member and past President of the Liberty Lions Club. He also served on the Liberty City Council from 1961 to 1965. He was a member of the Liberty United Methodist Church where he was named "Methodist Man of the Year" in 2001 for a lifetime of service and contributions. He had a beautiful baritone voice and sang in the choir. He was also active in the Stephens Ministry Program. Ted is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty, one son, James Bell and his wife Josie, Olathe, KS, two daughters, Martha L. Phillips and her husband David, Mary J. Stansbury and her husband Chris, all of Kansas City, MO, three brothers, Dwayne Bell, Liberty, MO, Joe H. Bell, Statesboro, GA, Kirk Bell, Raytown, MO, six grandchildren, Heather Phillips, Tessa and Hunter Bell, and Jake, Teddy James (T.J.) and Holly Stansbury. Ted was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He never met a stranger and his uplifting effect was contagious. Perhaps the ripples of his influence are best summed up in the comment made by a "stranger" who sat next to Ted on an airplane. "I've talked more to you on this flight than I have with my wife and I've been married 25 years." (Arrangements: Church- Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, Liberty, MO)
