Jack Wayne Bell, age 83, Niles Township, died Thursday October 15, 2026 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Portland on September 23, 1943, he grew up on the family farm where he lived for most of his lifetime. Jack was a proud graduate of Albany High School, class of 1962, where he lettered in basketball, baseball, and cross country as an Albany Wildcat. He retired from Chevrolet, Muncie, in 1993 having worked for GM for 31 years. He also farmed in Niles Township (on the family farm) and was a handyman.

Jack was a faithful member of Albany Christian Church for many years where he served as a deacon, trustee, and Sunday school teacher. He was an integral founder of the AA group that meets at the church to this day. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed hunting and fishing – especially at Lake Michigamme where he always wanted to make “one more trip”.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Charlotte (Ruhl) Bell; daughters: Reta Marlene Martin (husband: Tony), Muncie, Tracy Scott (husband: Jerry), Albany, Deanne Hauser (husband: Roger), Churubusco, and Christine Rawlings, Albany; grandchildren: Holly (Chris), DeWayne, Kayla, Shelby, Jake (Kim), Marie, Kendale, Jennifer (Trevor), Amanda (Tim), Miles (Iris), Jessica, and Katie; 26 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, his sister: Shirley Lake (husband: David), Niles Township; many nieces, nephews, his church family, and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by grandsons: Andrew Anderson and Brandon Brenner; granddaughter: Misty Ann Beckett; great-granddaughter: Airelyn Anderson; parents: Wayne & Reta (Smith) Bell; son-in-law: Chris Rawlings, and nephew: Zachary Lake.

Visitation will be Monday October 19, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Albany Christian Church followed by the funeral ceremony at 1 p.m. Cremation will follow.

Memorials may be sent to Albany Christian Church or American Cancer Society.