ETHS Legend Gene Bell, A 'Father Figure,' Dies

A former Evanston Township High School athlete and community leader passed away on Thursday, July 9.

Voyle “Gene” Bell was a 1950 graduate of ETHS, starring in basketball during his time there. He was a member of two regional championship teams, a 17-5 squad from 1948-49 and a 15-6 team the following year.

“He was an athlete, with speed, quickness and great elevation,” remembers Bob Reece, who informed school officials of Bell’s passing last week. “He was an outstanding defender and rebounder for his time. Most of all, he was a team player and a winner.”

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Bell returned to Evanston after college and was a part of the Fellowship of African-American Men (FAAM), which replaced some athletic programs that had to be cut in District 65 due to financial restraints. From 1968 to 1997, he served as the organization’s president.

But his service to the community did not stop with FAAM.

“He oftentimes committed his personal time and resources to numerous adventures,” according to an obituary posted online by Donnellan Family Funeral Services. “In 1973, he was instrumental in organizing a union for the Security Department at Evanston Township High School. His love for baseball led him to become a Little League Umpire for the recreation department of Evanston from 1979 to 1986. He even participated on the Nominating Committee for the school boards of District 65 and District 202 Washington Section in 1983 and in 1989 he served as Co-Chair for the ‘Save Our Children’ community project.”

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ETHS Athletic Director Chris Livatino referred to Bell as “a father figure” to thousands of ETHS students over the years.

“For the past five decades, Gene Bell was a father figure to so many of our students and such a great leader in our community,” said Livatino. “Without having to raise his voice, he commanded the respect of the kids and adults he worked with through his care, fairness and easy smile. He will be missed but never forgotten.”

He received numerous awards, including the William E. Harper Award from the McGraw YMCA, Distinguished Community Service Award from the NAACP, Those Who Excel from the Illinois State Board of Education, Community Service Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and SGMA Heroes “Man of the Year.”

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Bell is survived by his wife, Constance “Connie” Bell, three daughters Renee Johnson, Gina Bradley and Morma Russell, one son David , one grandson Aaron, three granddaughters Karisa, Shaniece and Tatana, one great grandson, two sisters and host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 18 at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer AME Church, 1109 Emerson Street in Evanston.