Obituary: Vernon F. “Dixie” Bell, Basketball, Track & Field, Football 1935-39, Veteran – 1/17/2005

Vernon F. "Dixie" Bell, Basketball, Track & Field, Football (’35-’39) & Military Vet – Jan. 17, 2005

Memorial services for Vernon "Dixie" Francis Bell, 89, will be conducted privately at a later date. Inurnment will take place at a family cemetery in South Hero, Vt. at a later date.

Mr. Bell was born May 28, 1915 in Jena and died at 1:50 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at his residence.

Mr. Bell graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria and later attended USL where he was President of S Club and a member of the Student Council and graduated in 1938. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Southwestern and his Masters Degree from Louisiana State University.

Mr. Bell was a member of the U.S. Navy, he attended the U.S. Navy Midshipmen School at Columbia University and was the Commanding Officer Aboard the USS LSM 392 in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
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He moved to New Iberia and began his career with the Iberia Parish School Board as the Athletic Coach of NISH in 1946, he then served as Principal of Center Street Elementary from 1950 – 1975. He accomplished many titles and one that he was most proud of was being voted "Most Outstanding Principal in USA."

He served as President of USL Alumni Counsel 1969 and Chairman of the Stadium Planning Committee USL Football Stadium.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Lawrence Bell and a daughter, Kebbie Bell both of New Iberia.

Mr. Bell was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Minnie Arthur Bell; five sisters and a brother.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Bell’s name to the Sisters of Mt. Carmel,

P.O. Box 1160, Lacombe, LA 70445-1160

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Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of the arrangements.

The Daily Iberian, Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Cindy P. Landry | Micro Information Systems Specialist 1University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Advancement Services

(337) 482-0928 | cpl1999@louisiana.edu