William “Bill” Stephen Bell
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William “Bill” Stephen Bell, 74, of Lawrence, KS passed away on June 25, 2022. Bill was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky to Captain Joseph and Dorothy Metz Bell on December 9, 1947.
Born the oldest in a military family, Bill was the glue for their small army always on the move. The constant shuffle of domestic and international moves set the stage for a tight knit family that had mastered the art of self-entertainment. Bill provided a sense of harmony, both literally and figuratively. He was the appointed lead vocalist for the Bell family band, and their harmonizing fancied the earbuds of the infamous EmmyLou Harris who joined them in a little diddy during their days stationed in Frankfort, Germany. Their childhood barbershop bops inspired a decades-long tradition of holiday sing-a-longs. Bill’s influence and love for Lawrence led his parents and siblings to Kansas where they continued to share a bond that few families get to experience.
The family landed in Falls Church, Virginia for Bill’s high school days. He led the Falls Church High School football team as quarterback (and running back, and kicker, and punter, and…). By his senior year, Bill was running his own offense – no ‘offense’ to his coaches, whom Bill seemingly found unreliable to get the job done. He really could do it all. Bill went on to earn the titles of All Northern Virginia Running Back (as a quarterback), the FCHS Jaguar of the Year (MVP) accolade, and, to no surprise, received the ‘Most Athletic’ superlative from his classmates. On top of his football achievements, Bill excelled in track and field. He competed in the hurdles, the 100-yard dash, and held his school’s pole vault record until 2017. Goddamn Gen Z. His legs (showcased proudly throughout his life) had unbelievable power.
Bill received a full ride scholarship to play football at the University of Kansas. He spent three seasons as a KU kicker and otherwise durable playmaker for some of KU’s most successful teams. Bill secured the KU record for most conversions scored in a game during a 68-7 victory over New Mexico in 1968. He had taken the field during that game as a punter, place-kicker, quarterback and outside linebacker. He’d missed on the fifth of his nine extra-point attempts, and there wouldn’t be a 10th. That’s because, as the third-string quarterback, Bill had been running the offense for the fourth quarter and had run in the team’s 10th touchdown himself. He tapped out of kicking that final conversion, too tired from carrying the whole team on his back. His record remained intact at the University of Kansas until 2004. Goddamn Millennials.
Among his most cherished college moments, Bill played for the national championship in the 1969 Orange Bowl. Bill handled punting and place-kicking chores, averaging 40.4 yards on eight punts and connecting on both extra points in the 15-14 loss to Penn State. While at KU, Bill wore the #12 proudly in honor of his father but sported a rare #100 jersey his senior year, symbolizing the hundredth year of college football and the number of points he had scored in his first two seasons as a Jayhawk. This national publicity stunt made him, as some would say, a really big deal.
Bill gained notoriety with the NFL for being the ultimate utility player. Upon graduating from KU with a degree in education in 1971, he entered the NFL draft as a place kicker. He garnered a bid from the Atlanta Falcons where he played for his first two years of professional football. Bill kept every letter from adoring fans, mostly children and single women, in his arsenal of memorabilia. He transferred to the New England Patriots for his final year in the big league before returning to his chosen home, Lawrence, KS.
Bill met the love of his life, Diane Feuerborn – the elusive woman in the window – at Sergeant Preston’s in May of 1980. The two dodged each other’s glances all night, and Diane was left to use her Lawrence connections to identify the striking man from the bar. Within minutes of learning of her interest from a mutual friend, Bill called Diane to begin their rapid-fire courtship. Sporting an all-white get-up from JCPenney (a major splurge for a frugal man), Bill’s charm and charisma won Diane over on their first date. His full head of hair helped tremendously, too. He also made a point early in their relationship to invite her to his softball games with the Lawrence Trout to show off his athletic superiority. That worked, too. The two were Lost in Love [Air Supply, 1980] from that spring forward.
Bill and Diane married in Lawrence in May 1981, and together they had three beautiful children – Katie, Joe & Jack – whom Bill adored. Pictures indicate he was the world’s greatest napping buddy. They fondly recall canoeing trips in Missouri, camping in Colorado, and cruises in the Caribbean. They not so fondly recall his (singular) attempt at a carefree sailing excursion that left all three kids, Diane, and their family dog, Rudy, fearing for their lives. He shared inside jokes with their friends and was a real crowd pleaser at their sporting events. His favorite pastime was gasping “WHAAA WHAT?!” in shock every time the Don’s Steak House check came after a family meal, causing the waiters to over-explain the charges and his kids to cover their faces in embarrassment. He was a teacher, a friend, and most importantly, someone they could always count on to fix all the broken shit in their homes.
Crafty and curious, Bill could have done anything. He excelled in construction as one of Lawrence’s most renowned trim carpenters and most notably as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for Douglas County. He was Lawrence’s “Go-to Guy”* for 27 years. He really could do it all, as he had showcased in every aspect of his life, but it was his gift of genuine connection that made him exceptional at his multitude of trades. His brain functioned as a rotary file full of recommendations of good, honest people who did good, honest work. He never forgot a job well done. Bill passed on his incredible work ethic and problem solving skills to his kids.
Bill loved the water, and his favorite places on earth were Aberdeen, MD, Martha’s Vineyard, CT and Lone Star Lake. He loved to fish and float, but not at the same time. Bill and Diane purchased a cabin at Lone Star Lake in 1982, the same year their dear Katie was born. The family spent every weekend swimming, stargazing, and waving at Bill through the open door of the outhouse. After retiring from Douglas County, Bill decided it was time to upgrade their lakeside abode. He designed and built their beloved Wally World, a breezy and welcoming cabin for his family to find joy and happiness in for years to come. Of all of his achievements, he felt most proud of this one.
Bill’s true pleasures in life were his family, his recliner, and his short jorts. He loved Crosby, Stills & Nash and weekend getaways with Diane. He was a masterful chef and could make a mean chicken cordon bleu. Perpetually unaware of how caller ID worked, he always shouted, “It’s Bill Bell!” when receiving AND delivering a call. He had no problem avoiding extended family on holidays by accompanying his shih tzu to bed. You knew you were in for a treat when he started a sentence with “Nothing pisses me off more than!…” He was witty and had a ‘colorful’ vocabulary. He had a laugh that would play in your head for days. He made a point to check in on old friends and was a masterful narrator of the good ol’ days. He was one-of-a-kind, and above all, he was unapologetically himself.
No amount of time with Bill would have been enough for his abundance of friends and adoring family. Bill lived a full life, and we find comfort that he left this earth with no regrets. We like to think he has returned to enjoying life’s simple pleasures: a cold beer in a lawn chair, singing a little diddy with his dad, biological brother Pat, and Doobie Brother Mike Hossack.
Bill is survived by his wife, Diane Feuerborn Bell; three children Katie Bell Allen, Joe (Kerry) Bell, and Jack (Daryl) Bell, all of Lawrence; granddaughters Emma Allen, Hannah Allen, Ellie Allen, and Berkley “Brittney” Bell; and siblings Tom Bell, Kathy Gregory, Marji Breault, Rob (Robin) Bell, and Debbie (John) Wingebach. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cpt. Joseph and Dorothy Bell; his brother Pat Bell; and son-in-law Wade Allen.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, July 8, 2022 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Friday at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lawrence Humane Society in honor of Bill and his shih tzu, McKenzie. Donations may be left with Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044, or made directly to the Lawrence Humane Society via an online donation:<https://lawrencehumane.org/donate/>
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
*”Go-to Guy” by Mark Fagan for LJ World, September 20, 2004 <https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/sep/20/goto_guy/>
My condolences to Bill’s family and wife. I knew Bill in high school in VA.
He was a friend to me when I needed one and a positive influence. I kept in touch with him infrequently over the years via email. Not too long ago, he sent me a picture of himself at Miguel’s Mexican restaurant in Coronado. CA, a place I had told him about. Thanks for befriending me Bill. Sincerely, Jim
I also send my sincere condolences to the Bell family. It was with great sadness that I heard about Bill’s death. He and I were teammates and friends at Falls Church High School. I have very good memories of spending time at his house with his parents and siblings. I even had my bachelor party in his basement the night before my wedding. It was hard to be around Bill without smiling. He will be greatly missed.
I too miss that guy and will never forget his open friendliness with people. One day during a high school summer break I came home only to find Bill on top of our house laying a new roof for my dad. I thought then this guy isn’t afraid to work as it was close to 100 degrees with equal, and typical, Virginia humidity. He enjoyed a superb work ethic and always had a smile ready for all.
My condolences to his family. I will miss him deeply.
I met Bill in August 1966 when we were both freshman on the KU freshman football team. We also lived in the same dorm that year. I enjoyed learning about how he grew up in Falls Church, VA and the strong role his Dad played in developing him as a punter and kicker. I left the team in the spring semester of 1967. Bill continued his career at KU and them later in the NFL. I always appreciated our conversations and those continued when we both lived in Lawrence, Bill worked for Douglas County and I was in business here. Bill was always so affable and interesting to visit with.
I know that he will be missed by his family, his co-workers, and his KU football family. Rest from your labors Bill.
Dear Bell Family, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Bill last weekend. As a fellow Falls Church High School Jaguar, class of ‘70, we all knew of the exceptional athletic qualities of Bill. He certainly set the bar high for the many FCHS athletes who followed. I can remember many summer evenings he, his father, and younger brothers, especially younger brother Pat Bell being up at the FCHS football field working out with others and practicing both their punting and place kicking. I always found Bill welcoming, supportive, encouraging, approachable and friendly to all. May he Rest In Peace with God’s Grace.
Best to all.
Richard Todd
Bill Bell was my friend. For 58 years Bill, Milt Fall and I called ourselves the 3 Amigos. We played football together. We were in the Civitan’s together. Bill and I would go to Walnut Hill Elementary behind Ron Minor’s house and he would practice punting and kicking for hours. When Milt, Wally Brown and I got beat up by the Pagans Motorcycle Gang in the heart of Falls Church, who did we call? Bill, of course. Mr. Bell (Joe) had become a second father to me. Whenever there was a banquet or dinner, he always made sure that Bill sat on one side of him, and I sat on the other. In the Fall of 1967 Dick Monday and I received a large manilla envelope filled with newspaper articles from all over Kansas about Bill kicking the winning field goal against their rival Kansas State. The press called it “A Bell Ringer.” Throughout all those years, we stayed in touch by phone and letters, then emails and texts. Bill recently found his high school letter sweater and sent me a picture. Some old guy was wearing it, but it still fit. His athletic abilities are well known, but his sense of humor and zest for life are what endeared him to so many of us. He was a loyal friend, a good husband and father, a decent person and a proud American. I will miss you, Bill. All of us will. Rest in Peace my friend.
I am shocked. I would get funny emails each week from him. He missed this week.
Teammate from 1969 Orange Bowl team.
Condolences to Diane and family. RIP
So nice to hear from you all. I was the three year old “mascot” at Falls Church. Bazonga!!! I will miss him so much, but still hasn’t sunk in that he is gone. May his legacy live on. Love you brother
Bigger than Life and such good stories, handsome and most beautiful wife, kids and grandkids! Starl and I wish you well on your new journey. Will see ya when it’s our time.
My condolences to the Bell family. Bill and I were classmates at Falls Church High, class of 1966! A great athlete, a good friend, a good husband and a good man! Another FCHS classmate (Jaguar) gone too soon. RIP old friend!
I’ve known Bill since the fourth grade in Aberdeen. We reunited freshman year at FCHS. Many competitions with Bill earned my respect. Rest In Peace friend.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing! Praying for peace and comfort for the family! May the memories you hold dear help to ease the pain!
With sincere sympathy
Darrell and Debbie Huff
May God be with you Diane and family. You-are in our thoughts and prayers. If it was not for Bill’s confidence in us as a young business, we never would’ve made it. I will never forget the look on my dad Stan’s face when we gave him an autographed KU football photograph of Bill for his 70th birthday. It was his pride and joy and he kept it center stage in his living room for over 19 years.!
Dean and Sheri Penny
My deepest sympathy to Diane and family. Hugs and prayers to all.
I had breakfast with Bill several years ago and he still had that good nature and down to earth style I had always known. He was easy to be with and I will always remember that. RIP brother. You will be missed.
My thoughts are with Bill’s family. Like others I knew him in high school. He always had a smile on his face. You will be missed “Ding”.
I don’t handle these things very well. Bill (Ding) and Jim (ref. Jim’s The Three Amigos) and I go way back (58 years). Bill was always the quick-witted one with a great quip about whatever it was we were talking about. His sense of humor, affability and strength of character was always uplifting and a cause for grins to me. From the time we experienced two purple light episodes on the way to and in Balt/Wash, to his nickname have been wonderful and epic memories. There will never be another one like him. Rest in peace Bro…you know we all loved and will miss you.
To Bill’s family, we all know how much he was cared for by you, and how much he cared for you. May God bless all of you.
Our Deepest sympathy Diane & family!
Dear Diane – I am saddened to learn today of your husband’s passing. You are so fortunate to have had him by your side for so many years. God Bless you and your family. Jessica Devers, Las Cruces, NM
So sorry for your loss Diane. Hugs and prayers for you and the family.
David and Nancy Lahm
Tim & Dale Scanlon
Lot’s of great stories from August 1966 until the last one June 19, 2022. We are so fortunate to have had you as a good friend these many years.
Miss you Bill and thanks for the funnies. Wherever you are now you have them laughing.
Dale Evans:
Sorry to hear about Bill. He was a was a standout football player at KU. He made the offense look better because of his punting and kicking skills. His ability to make people laugh on and off the field was unique.
It was a honor to be a friend and teammate of Bill.
Caroline and I send our condolences to you, Diane, and family.
Very sorry to hear about Bill.
Kurt and Mary Guntert
I had the pleasure of working with Bill at Douglas County. He was a wonderful man, he will be greatly missed. Sending hugs and prayers for the family.
Diane,
I worked in the same building with Bill during the time he was Director of Building & Grounds for Douglas County. He was such a talented, funny, and wonderful individual. He was great at being the leader of the most important department in Douglas County, but he always had time to visit about his family. I truly admired Bill and I am so sorry for your loss.
Diane,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am truly sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have known Bill for over 30 years and our family started the relationship with Bill as a business relationship when he was at Douglas County but through the many years our family was blessed to get to know him better as a person, as an INCREDIBLE soul and I will forever be grateful for those years and to be able to truly call him a FRIEND. I am here for you and your family. May God comfort you all during this time.
Jeff Chaney
I ran into Bill at the grocery store a few years ago and we shared a memory of the fabulous Thanksgiving dinners he and his team would put on every year for the Douglas County employees. It was a grand tradition. The incredible aromas of the turkeys cooking spread throughout the Law Enforcement Center and made the holiday dinner such a welcome and anticipated event. The best word for me to describe Bill is “dynamic.” He was always full of life, animated, and interesting. He will be missed by many.
Diane and family, We are so sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about my teammate at KU. We tried to meet up at the Wheel every time I was on Lawrence.
May he Rest In Peace .
Oh Diane, I’m so saddened to hear this news about your Bill tonight. Sincere condolences to you and the kids. Terry Manes
Dianne,
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I pray peace will comfort you and memories of your years together will give you strength. I pray God’s blessings be with you.
Sincerely
Peg Wiese
Diane, my heart simply breaks for you as I learn of the loss of your Bill. May you be held in compassion. May your sorrow be eased. May you find peace. Much love to you at this sad time.
Diane, Katie, Joe, Jack and all of Bills family – praying that the wonderful memories you hold dear to your hearts will help to ease the pain!! He was a great man and will be surely missed!!
With sincere sympathy
My sincere condolences to Diane and the family. Bill was a guy everyone seemed to know or know about. Prayers to your family.
Diane and family. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers your way.
Diane, I am sorry! I watched him play for KU, was privileged to catch a few family sing-a-longs, passings at Lone Star, and I cherish trying to take family photos in the back yard with restless Jack leading the revolution! Epic fail, but silly, fun at the same time. :). Bill served as an advisor when I started real estate and I learned a lot about inspections from him. The joy your family shared was inspiring. “God kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life…”