Mr. Howard B. Bell

Mr. Howard B. Bell, of Muncie, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on the late evening of Friday, March 20, 2026, having attained the age of 91 years. Howard was born October 1, 1934, in the Bell Hill community near Monticello, Kentucky, the eleventh of twelve children born to the late Reverend William Edward and Zona Alice (Phipps) Bell. He spent his early years in Kentucky and graduated in 1952 from Wayne County High School in Monticello before moving with his family to Muncie, Indiana. Following his graduation, Howard honorably and faithfully served his country in the United States Army until his discharge in 1960. Upon returning home, he met and married Sue Koger and they were married for over 64 years. He dedicated many years of service to General Motors at the Chevrolet plant in Muncie, where he was employed for over 35 years before retiring in 1998. Above all, Howard was a devoted and faithful Christian gentleman whose life was a daily testimony of his faith. He was a true prayer warrior for his family, offering strength, guidance and unwavering love. He was one of the two remaining charter members of Fellowship Baptist Church in Muncie and, in recent years, he and Sue faithfully attended Memorial Baptist Church. An easy-going man, Howard was a man of many talents and interests. He was a member of Delaware Lodge No. 46 F&AM, the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and was formerly affiliated with the UAW. He was also one of the founding members of several gospel singing groups, including The Gospel Travelers, The J.D. Bell Family and Abounding Grace. A gifted and self-taught musician, Howard played the guitar, mandolin and fiddle, and found great joy in sharing music with others. He was also a songwriter, having written songs that have been recorded over the years. In addition to his musical gifts, Howard was proud to be a licensed pilot and enjoyed riding his motorcycle in his leisure time. Yet, of all his accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His Christian example and steadfast faith will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Bell; his daughters, Holly (Ben) Coffey and Gina Fluhr; his grandchildren, Nathan Seagraves, (Jen), Ashlie (Robbie) Linn, Jordan Fluhr and Whitney (Keith) Thrasher; his great-grandchildren, Grace, Jay, Damiana, River, Austin, Willow, Ava, and Ivy; his brother, J.D. (Rachel) Bell; his brother-in-law, Roger (Kathryn) Koger; his former son-in-law, Mike Seagraves; along with a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herschell and Henrietta Koger; his son-in-law, Johnny Fluhr; eleven brothers and sisters; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carter and Carol (Koger) Dobbs; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Memorial Baptist Church, 2911 S. Philip Drive, Muncie, Indiana, with Pastor Chris Black and Pastor Ron Elam officiating. Howard will be laid to rest at Elm Ridge Memorial Park following the service where military honors will be conferred by a contingent from the United States Army and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Military Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until the hour of service Saturday at the church. Delaware Lodge No. 46, F&AM will confer a Masonic memorial service Saturday at 1:00 pm. Howard’s legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Mr. Howard Bell.

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Mr. Howard B. Bell

October 1, 1934 - March 20, 2026