Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

MIDDLETOWN — Three years ago, Jim Armbruster and other Middletown city officials attended the inaugural Todd Bell Lecture Series at Ohio State University.

Armbruster, who never met Bell — a standout at Middletown High School, Ohio State and for two National Football League teams — was more impressed with Bell, the person, not the player.

Armbruster said after hearing Bell's widow Daphne, and others discuss Bell's impact on their lives, he left the lecture "a different person" with a better understanding of the importance of life.

Another seed was planted that day. It became the goal of Armbruster and Bishop Rudolph Pringle to rename a Middletown street after Bell, who died March 16, 2005, from a massive heart attack while driving his car in Reynoldsburg, a Columbus suburb.

A portion of South Verity Parkway between Girard and Lafayette avenues was renamed "Todd Bell Memorial Way." It was approved by City Council on April 17, 2007, and dedicated two weeks ago.

Daphne Bell said she became extremely emotional when she attended the dedication and saw the street sign and Todd's family and friends.

"It was overwhelming," she said. "It hit me like 'Wow!' It was the most emotional experience I've had since Todd's passing."

Armbruster, who called Bell "a good Christian man, a model figure," said the renaming of the street serves as a reminder of his contributions in the Middletown and Columbus areas.

Now, when people think of Middletown, steel won't be the only thing that comes to mind, Armbruster said. He said Bell, a 1977 MHS graduate, is one of the city great athletes you never hear about.

"Kids in this town need a model figure," Armbruster said. "They need to hear the story about Todd Bell, and try to be the best person they can be. We need to keep the name alive."

Armbruster said there are other "greats" from Middletown — and not just athletes — who need streets named after them.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.