Dr. Donald M. Bell

1951 - 2013

Dr. Donald M. Bell obituary, 1951-2013, Knoxville, TN

BORN

1951

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens

3176 Airport Highway

Alcoa, Tennessee

Donald Bell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 2, 2013.

BELL, DR. DONALD M. – age 61, of Knoxville, died peacefully in his sleep, Friday, May 31, 2013. Dr. Bell was the Clinical Associate Professor and Program Administrator of the Nurse Anesthesia Concentration at the UT College of Nursing, Knoxville, TN. He was an Advanced Practice Nurse and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with a Doctor of Nursing Science degree from the UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. Scholarly activities included anesthesia-related research, authoring/co-authoring many papers for editorials, professional magazines, journals, text books, and grant income generation. Dr. Bell belonged to several honor societies, including Sigma Theta Tau, (International Honor Society of Nursing), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, (International Honor Fraternity in Music). He held many anesthesia related professional offices, including past President of the TN Association of Nurse Anesthetists and won the Practitioner of the Year award in 2011. In 2010, Governor Phil Bredesen appointed Dr. Bell to serve as the Advanced Practice Nurse member of the TN Board of Nursing, the first CRNA to do so, and in 2012, rose to Chairman of the TN Board of Nursing. A Vietnam era veteran of the US Air Force, he was Director of Operations and Public Relations at Headquarters Command, Boling AFB, Washington, DC. There, he played all woodwind instruments in the Airmen of Note, the Air Force Jazz Band, specializing in Alto Saxophone. Dr. Bell received several ribbons and medals, including Outstanding Unit Citation, with three oak leaf clusters; and Expert Marksman Ribbon. Of special note, in 2008, TN Governor Phil Bredesen awarded him the rank and title of Colonel Aide-de-Camp. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Helen R. and William C. Bell, Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Beverly; daughter, Angela Ewing and her children; son, Jarrod Joyce; brothers and sister-in-law, Robin and William C. Bell, Jr. and Brent Patton; niece, Becky Bell Siedler and her son; nephew and wife, Jonathan and Lisa Bell and their sons; aunt, Jeanette Smith; and extended family. Dr. Bell was especially fond of his executive assistant, Alisa Canupp; faculty, Julie Bonom and Terri Preast; colleagues and students. Memorial flowers will be donated to Random Acts of Flowers. Alternatively, memorial donations may be made to the Siamese Cat Rescue Center, 366 Meander Run Rd., Locust Dale, VA, 22948, or to UTFI, 1200 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996, c/o Debby Powell, with a memo for the Preston/Bell Endowed Faculty Fund. The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 8, 2013, at 3:00pm at Sherwood Chapel, 3176 Airport Hwy., Alcoa, TN 37701, with Chaplain Dan Hix officiating. Entombment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends, 12:00pm – 3:00pm, prior to the service. Condolences may be offered at www.sherwoodchapel.net

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Not sure what to say?

November 22, 2017

Mendy Richards

Beverly,

I received an email from you, through this server. However, I cannot reply to you. Please email me at [email protected]

Otherwise, here is the text that bounced:


Hello, Beverly!

I am no expert on woodwinds or their worth, but I know who is. His undergraduate clarinet teacher, Dan Hearn or his wife Eva could help you. Eva will answer a request from you at: [email protected]

Please accept my renewed condolences for your loss. Don was a good friend, and we had only recently caught back up with each other when this happened.

All good wishes to you and yours this holiday season,
Mendy

Melinda L. Richards, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor
Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
and
Coordinator, SSLT Licensure Program at MTSU
Dept. Of Health & Human Performance
College of Behavioral & Health Science
MTSU Box 364
Middle Tennessee State University

Ph. 615.898.5425

June 12, 2013

Kent Peters

I was shocked to hear the news. I went to TTU with him and I was sure he would be a musician all his life. So surprised, but he sure did well in this field. I am so sorry for you loss and will be praying for him. He was a great guy and so helpful and friendly. Prayers!!

June 12, 2013

Bev,I was genuinely shocked and saddened to hear that Don had passed on.I have no doubt that he truly loved you.I know this is another major crossroads in your life. You have to find the strength to go on.
God bless you.
Bill DeRemer

June 9, 2013

Anne Marie Wilson

Dr. Bell was a wonderful man and professor and I have many great memories of him from my time in UT's Nurse Anesthesia program. I kept in contact with Dr. Bell through Facebook and he often made me smile with commentary or pictures he posted.
He will be sorely missed by many.

My deepest sympathy to Dr. Bell's wife, Beverly and all his friends and family.

June 8, 2013

I first met Don in 2010 when we were both were appointed to the Board of Nursing by Governor Bredesen. I came to know him as a very knowledgeable and trusted colleague and friend. My deepest sympathy goes to Beverly and the entire family in your time of loss.
Arthur Thompson, LPN

June 8, 2013

Tracey James-Achenbach

Dear Beverly, I am so very sorry for your loss and for what we, those of us in anesthesia, have loss in Dr. Bell's passing. I thank him for his military service. It was always so evident how much he absolutely adored you. Please know that you are in my prayers.

June 8, 2013

Ruth

So sad to learn of Don`s death.It was my pleasure to have known and worked with him. He was an excellent teacher and had found his passion at UT. His shoes will be hard to fill. My prayers are for Beverly and the Bell family.

June 7, 2013

Abe Abuelouf

My deepest sympathies to Don's family and to all who come to know, admire, and appreciate Don...

June 7, 2013

Karen Golden

I was shocked to hear that Don had passed away. I worked with him at the University of Tennessee, College of Nursing for 15 years. My job was to do Letters of Agreement/Contracts between his office and the college of nursing. I am so sorry for your loss. He was always "up" and had something nice to say to me or anyone else.

June 7, 2013

Benny Davis

So sad to hear of Don's passing. He was one of the classiest people I've ever known, who was devoted to his profession, his faith, and to you. Sorry I cannot attend the service, but just know he will always be remembered fondly.

June 7, 2013

Debbie Nieto-Haisley

Dearest Beverly: I am deeply saddened to learn of Don's death. As you know, we grew up in the same neighborhood and went to school together. He was always smiling and was so genuine. He had accomplished so much in his life and was gracious to everyone. I will miss seeing him and waving hello as we would pass each other at times on my way home. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

With Sorrow,

Debbie Nieto Haisley

June 7, 2013

DARLA SORAH

Beverly:

I was so sorry to hear about Don. Don was one of Chris's (my son)) instructors when he went through the CRNA program at UT. Chris had the utmost respect for Don and thought the world of him. I remember when you and Don came to work for ACK, years ago. I know how proud you were of him with his career advancement.

Darla Sorah

June 6, 2013

DOUG HARNED

As a longtime anesthesia representative that covered aroumd 60 hospitals, I enjoyed seeing Don and Beverly not only for salesmanship , but as a friendship that lasted for several years. Don was not only a good clinician, but really enjoyed life and was a good and gentle person.When you travel through this life you really cherish relationships that are developed and meeting Don and Beverly added to my life's enjoyment. God bless Don and Beverly and I know she realizes he is in a better place. I will be praying for the Bell family at this time and they should be assured that Don made a great impression on mankind during his 61 years.
Doug Harned (Knoxville)

June 6, 2013

Lauren Gadd

Don and I went to church and high school together and we were very good friends. He was kind, multi-talented and had a wonderful sense of humor. Reading his obituary, Don accomplished so many things in his life and it appears that he was surrounded by family and friends that loved him very much. My husband and I will be praying for you during this difficult time. He will always remain to me a happy teenager with his life ahead of him. May God comfort and give you peace.

June 6, 2013

Beverly and family, I was so sorry to hear of Don's death. I have known him for many years and have so much respect for both his thought processes and how he smooths situations that could become uncomfortable. What a loss to your family and to the world of professional nursing. He will be greatly missed. Dava Shoffner, RN (Retired UTK-CON faculty)

June 6, 2013

Charles Barton

Dearest Beverly and Family,

I first met Don when he was an anesthesia student in Charleston, WV. He had the uncommon confidence as a student to come up and thank me for lecturing to his anesthesia class and he followed that with a thank you letter. Since then, I have been delighted so many times to run into Don and Beverly at several events. Don was a true ‘gentle' man who possessed a humble and confident presence with a rich baritone voice that made everyone feel immediately comfortable upon meeting him. He made many significant contributions to our profession...including the excellent teaching of so many current practitioners in the field of anesthesia. He will be deeply missed as he has left an outstanding legacy through his professional work, his personal life, his colleagues, and his many students and graduates. Please accept my most sincere condolences to you, Beverly and your family.

Education is painful, continual, and difficult work to be done in kindness, by watching, by
warning, - by praise, but above all - by example…. John Ruskin

June 6, 2013

Philip Julian

Don, you will be missed. I met you during our TANA conferences and over the years you have been a fixture in the anesthesia arena. Your contributions will be long lasting. It was a pleasure to serve with you on the TANA board in the past. God speed and enjoy everlasting life. To the Bell family, my heart goes out to you in your loss and we lift you up in the knowledge that Don is with the Eternal Physician. The bells are ringing in heaven.God Bless.

June 6, 2013

Beverly and Family,

Don was an extraordinary, accomplished and humbled man who served his profession, patients, students and colleagues with respect and a caring nature. He will be missed.

So sorry for your loss.

Kay Lindgren

June 5, 2013

Brent Earwood

The shock of Don's sudden and much too early passing continues to weigh heavily on my heart. My thoughts are with Beverly and Don's family at this most trying of times. Don's extensive knowledge, sharp wit, unending compassion for those around him, and his love for his chosen profession of nursing and nurse anesthesia will be sorely missed by those who's lives he touched.

June 5, 2013

John van Leeuwen

Dr Bell was a true friend and a patriot. He loved his country deeply and as the great man that he was, left everyone feeling special. He touched me by his sincere love for others and his great sense of humor.

June 5, 2013

Paige Rinehart

Beverly,

I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Bell was a wonderful, kind hearted man who always had a smile for everyone.
Paige Rinehart

June 5, 2013

Pat Melcher

I was so very sorry to hear about Don's death. He was a great friend and colleague to me . My prayers and sympathy are with you. He will be missed! Pat Melcher

June 4, 2013

Susan Stone

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. I had the pleasure of attending the doctoral program at UT Memphis with him. He was a very kind and caring person as well as a leader in the profession. I extend my greatest synpathy to his family and many friends. Susan Stone

June 4, 2013

Debbie Malina

Colleague, role model, consummate professional. I feel lucky to have known Don, and to have been able to call him my friend.

June 4, 2013

Mike Harkreader

I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Bell's death. He was a wonderful human being and his passing is a huge loss for the many that came in contact with him. He was a man of integrity, compassion and fairness.

June 3, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Don's death. I will always consider him a "grand gentleman". I was honored to be his colleague. To Don's dear wife and extended family, my deepest sympathy.
Jan Lee (Dubuque IA)

June 3, 2013

Danny Haggard

I was shocked to hear about. Don. I will always remember our days at babtist. Please accept my most sincere sympathy

June 3, 2013

Deborah Holliday

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Bell. I was fortunate to serve with him on the Tennessee Board of Nursing and will greatly miss his presence and vast knowledge. Prayers for family and friends.

June 3, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Don Bell. We were roommates and he was Best Man in our wedding in 1971. I will always remember his good wit, great personality and his awesome ability on Bari-Sax.

Donald Garrett
Cleveland, TN

June 3, 2013

Charlie Traugott

So very sorry to hear about Donnie. He was a great friend when we were in high school. We had some great times. Even though it has been 40 + years, I still remember him as a class act and a great person.

June 3, 2013

Donna Roddy

So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you during this difficult time.

June 3, 2013

Kathy Foster

I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. Bell. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. He will be missed by many in the profession.

Kathy Foster
NAC class of 2013

June 3, 2013

steve stapleton

We will all miss Don but he will forever be with us in spirit! The college bowl at TANA Fall meeting will never be the same! Don's quick wit was envied by many. His love of his profession was inspiration to all CRNAs! RIP my friend.
Steve Stapleton

June 3, 2013

Lacy Rehe Gayda

Dr. Bell was such a wonderful man, professor, and friend. I feel honored to have known him and to have learned from him. My heart goes out to you, Beverly, and to your family...Lacy Rehe Gayda (UT CRNA class of 2006)

June 3, 2013

Jeffrey Levy

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a first-rate educator, a first-class mind and an absolute delight to work with. My heartfelt condolences.

June 3, 2013

Vickie Patton

Beverly & Family, Here I am to bare my condolences to you & your family for such a suffering , the loss of your loved one & my friend & colleague, Don/Colonel, but yet I find myself at a loss for words. Beverly your sweet husband possessed so many unique & wonderful qualities that set him apart from the average person, but there's one that stands out & speaks for the HEART of the man & that was his UNCONDITIONAL GIVING SPIRIT! You see the way that I view it is that we are all hopefully on the same path & headed in the same direction, it's just that some of us are gonna get there before others do. Well, Don you sort of jump the gun on us here & left the world with one less true champion,but Heaven has acquired another Angel! Fly High Colonel!

Vickie Patton

Posted by Vickie Patton

June 3, 2013

Susan Speraw

Don was a valued colleague and friend, someone who welcomed me to the College of Nursing faculty when I first arrived, and who was a warm and steady presence in all the years since. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to all the family.

June 3, 2013

Sevier Anesthesia

Our deepest sympathy to the Don Bell family. Don will be missed by ALL.
Jeff Mills, Harold Soles, David Parnell, Keith Conerly, Jerry Sutton

June 3, 2013

Mendy Richards

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of my long-time friend Don Bell. I will always remember the good times as fellow music majors at Tennessee Tech; he was a first-class musician and friend.

We had only recently re-connected (over our respective knee-replacement surgeries only days apart) and coached each other back to health. We shared many stories of our parallel lives: each serving in the USAF band program at different times; going on to each become health-care professionals, he a Nurse Anesthetist and I a speech-language pathologist; and each becoming university professors.

I will miss my friend. My condolences to the family.

June 3, 2013

Joanne Hall

You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of Dr Don Bell. I knew him as a fellow faculty member. I have the utmost respect for the work he did at UT; Because of Dr Bell, the very highest of standards and the quality of the graduates of his program were assured. I will miss him.
He was a very kind man. Joanne Hall

June 3, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Don's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. His contributions to nursing at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Medical Center, and the state of Tennessee will be sorely missed. Nan and Mark Gaylord

June 3, 2013

My deepest sympathy to all of the family. Don Bell was a valued colleague at the UTK College of Nursing. I admired his knowledge, dignity, and dedication to the nursing profession. He will be greatly missed.
Sandra Thomas

June 3, 2013

The gift of his friendship was something sent only by God Himself for which I am most grateful. Randall Maupin

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