John Philip Bell

Lifetime Brownsville resident, John Philip Bell, 89, died Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. John was born to Edgar M. and Gertrude Johnson Bell on August 17, 1932. He attended Brownsville High School where he was active in every sport they offered; he graduated with the class of 1950. Following graduation, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He rose to the rank of Sargent and earned several awards including the Marine Corps Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and a Marksmanship Badge. After returning home, John married the former Barbara Jones on November 25, 1954 in Washington D.C. He enjoyed farming, and has done so from 1955 until recently. John was employed with the United States Postal Service as a sub-rural carrier in Brownsville from 1960 until 1968. He then became a city carrier in Richmond until his retirement in 1990 after 32 years of service. John continued to stay busy, driving a truck for McFarland’s Food until 1993. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of Centerville. John enjoyed fishing, mushroom, and quail hunting. He cherished spending time with his family especially his grand and great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his sons: Alan Philip Bell and his wife Nancy Jean of Brownsville, Gregg Duane Bell of Richmond; daughter: Sandra Jean Bench and her husband Tom of Trotwood, Ohio; grandchildren: Duane Mathew Bell, Jessica Lynn Bell both of the Indianapolis area, Matthew Philip Bell and Robin of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Julie Ann Page and Adam of Centerville, Andrew John Bell and Casey of Odenton, Maryland, Rebecca Roark and Bill of Carey, North Carolina, Philip Bench and Heather of Kettering, Ohio, Julia Denlinger and Derek of Blacklick, Ohio, Rebecca Sanford and DaJuan of Englewood, Ohio, Tim and Beth Bench, Micah and Maura Bench, Miriam and Shon Smith all of Brookville, Ohio; twenty-five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and grandparents, John is preceded in death by his brother: Richard C. Bell; nephew: Kevin R. Bell. A public visitation will be conducted from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Centerville. A private funeral service for the immediate family will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or Reid Hospice in John’s Honor. Showalter Blackwell Long, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty has been entrusted with arrangements.