Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services

08/23/2025

Don't leave your loved ones guessing…..

Pre-planning your funeral service is a thoughtful and compassionate gift to your family. It gives them peace of mind, knowing that your final wishes will be carried out and that they won't have to make difficult decisions during a time of grief.

At Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home, we have a deep connection to our community and we are here to guide you through this process with care and professionalism. Our online reviews speak for themselves, with families consistently praising our compassionate staff and meticulous attention to detail.

What Our Families Are Saying:

“Eric was so kind and compassionate in helping us with the painful task of planning my grandson's funeral and burial. His constant care for the family, and the respect, ex*****on, and care for my grandson’s body was impeccable.”
— Dianne F.

“Eric went above and beyond to alleviate as much stress as possible for our family. He anticipated every need, so we could focus on healing, while he took care of all the details. Anything we needed was done before we even knew we needed it.”
— Amanda L.

“I have delayed writing this review because I fear I do not have adequate words to describe how beautifully each detail of my father's funeral and burial was handled. Eric's compassion, attention to detail, and gentle guidance turned the most painful experience of my life into a memory I will forever cherish.”
— Ginger C.

Call us today to learn more about our pre-planning services and to give your family the gift of peace of mind.

Please Call: 317-892-4242

08/23/2025

For over a century, our purpose has been the same: to serve. At Eric MD Bell Funeral Home, we've come to know your families not just by name, but by the stories shared and the lives celebrated. We've watched generations grow, from the simple, heartfelt gatherings of our early days to the deeply personal memorials we craft today.

Our commitment to this community isn't just a business; it’s a living tradition passed down to us. We remember when a handshake was a promise and a listening ear was the most important service we could offer. While the world has changed, those core values haven't.

We're still here, just as we've always been—a steady presence in times of sorrow, a quiet pillar of our community, and a dedicated partner in honoring the legacies that define us all. We invite you to learn more about how our family can help yours during your time of need.

Call us today to start a conversation about your own wishes.

317-892-4242

08/19/2025

Please keep the Parke family in your thoughts and prayers during this unexpected time of loss.

View Timothy "Tim" Lee Parke's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/19/2025

All are encouraged to keep the Maple family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.

View Steve Maple's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/09/2025

James Ronald “Ron” Frazier passed away on August 6th, 2025, at 7:38 in the evening at his home in North Salem, Indiana. Ron was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2025; the progression of the disease was quick. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Opal, and sister, Joyce Thomas. Ron elected to stay at his home through the progression of the disease, alongside with his wife of 35 years, Leslie Frazier. Ron’s family gathered at his home at his passing.

Ron is survived by his wife, Leslie, and his siblings, Patty Woodrum (Woody), Marge Stultz, and Ted Frazier (Marilyn). Although Ron did not have any biological children, he took on the role of father to Leslie’s children: Greg Benge (Dwanae), Aaron Benge (Rebecca), and Stephani Presnell, and the role of grandfather to: David (Violet), Taylor, Deryk (Kelly), Abbi, Kris Fusco (Ivonne), Lukas (Chelsea), Ethan Chezem (Bailey), Noah (Abigail), Esther, Zedekiah, Zachary, Sadie Lazaro (Jared), Seth Presnell (Maria), and is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was known as “Ron” to his wife, Leslie, and family including in-laws, nieces, and nephews; “Ronie” to his siblings; and “JR” to his Donnelley friends as well as his car-show friends.

Ron graduated from North Salem High School in 1967. At the onset of the Vietnam War, Ron, Ted, and their friends got news of the draft; their draft order was number 1. They decided to enlist in the Army and serve their country prior to the draft date. Ron married Leslie in 1990, recently celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. He was a member of The Holy Bible Church in Lebanon, Indiana. He studied the Bible faithfully and he loved God’s Word.

He was gifted as a songwriter and singer. He also enjoyed playing the banjo and harmonica. In his early working years, he worked with cement and concrete. If you walk through Jamestown and surrounding towns, you will see sidewalks, driveways, and concrete pads that he poured (with no cracks to be found).

Ron retired early at age 60 from RR Donnelley’s to enjoy his passions of spending time with family, fishing, as well as caring for the wildlife and his property. Ron also had a passion for vehicles. His 1965 GTO and 1978 Ford F-150 were pristinely cared for by him, and he won many awards at car-shows.

Some good news! If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will see Ron again. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Holy Bible Church in Lebanon, Indiana. On the day of the funeral, attendees are encouraged to wear their cowboy boots, and to drive their vintage vehicles to the funeral and procession

Funeral Services will be held at 1pm, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in the Eric MD Bell Funeral Home, where friends are invited to gather with the family from 11 am until the time of the service. Following the funeral, he will be laid to rest with full Army Honors in Fairview Cemetery, North Salem, Indiana.

The family certainly appreciates your prayers during this difficult time of loss.

View James Ronald Frazier's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/06/2025

All are asked to keep the Gamber family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.

View Kirby Diane Gamber's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/01/2025

Jack Swalley, a man remembered for his humor, warmth, and love for his family, passed away on July 29, 2025, at the age of 67. His life was filled with laughter, resilience, and a deep dedication to those he cared about.

Born on November 28, 1957, to Bonnie and Ben Swalley, and raised with siblings Benita, Mike, and Ann, Jack had an unforgettable personality—outgoing, sharp-witted, and always ready with a joke that could light up even the darkest room.

Jack was the proud father of three sons: Jesse Swalley (married to Beverly), Bradly Swalley (married to Alisha), and his late son, Bryan Swalley, whose passing on March 9th, 1980, left a lasting mark on Jack’s heart. Though he faced hardships, Jack’s love for his children was a constant and guiding force in his life.

His role as a grandfather was one he cherished deeply. Jack's seven grandchildren—Olivia, Nathan, Mary, Nadia, Aiden, Harper, and Willow Swalley—brought him immense joy. To them, he was more than just “Grandpa Jack”; he was a storyteller, a jokester, and a source of unconditional love.

Jack shared many years with his wife, Robin, her two daughters are Ashley Molly (married to Ryan) And Megan Morgan (married to Scott). Together they helped build a family that carries his spirit and memory forward.

Those who knew Jack will always remember his ability to make people laugh, his bold personality, and the love he showed in his own unique and memorable way. He had a gift for making people feel seen and understood, and his presence had a way of making everything feel a little lighter.

Jack’s laughter, love, and legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be missed more than words can express, but the joy he brought to this world will never be forgotten.

A memorial will be held by the family to honor Jack’s life on August 16th, 2025 at the following address:

3625 N County Road 950 E
Brownsburg, IN 46112

Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services. All are encouraged to keep Jack's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.

View Jack Swalley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/28/2025

Elaine Burkhard, 65 of Lizton, passed away peacefully July 24, 2025 in the early morning hours, surrounded by family.

Elaine was born December 14, 1959 in Danville, Indiana to Joe and Dianne (Delashmit) Neff. She was raised in North Salem, Indiana where she attended North Salem High School, going on to graduate from Tri-West High School in 1978.

Elaine married Martin Brunes of Lizton, Indiana shortly after graduating high school in June of 1978. She then gave birth to their son, David Martin Brunes on February 22, 1980, and then their daughter, Amanda Elaine Brunes on December 8, 1982.

She became a volunteer firefighter for Lizton Fire Dept, then on to becoming a Paramedic for Aid Ambulance Service for a couple years .

She married Bill Burkhard of Lizton, Indiana in 1988, gaining a step-daughter, Heather Lynn Burkhard and step-son, Jesse Lee Burkhard.

They built their first home, a log cabin, in 1992. They spent their days raising children, traveling the US, and attending NASCAR races and spending time with their many close friends.

Elaine worked a variety of other jobs including waitress/bartender, school nurse for Tri-West High School for 10 years, and eventually on to become an Insurance Agent in 2002 for Porter Insurance/Lamar Lamar Insurance where she retired in 2021. Due to the love she had of photography, she also took on part-time work taking wedding pictures, senior pictures, family and special event pictures, etc. Her favorite of all though was capturing pictures of family, sunsets, old barns, and covered bridges. Her love of nature and being outdoors shined through her photography.

Elaine loved her grandchildren dearly and spent much of her free time doing whatever she could with them. Nana’s babies!!!

Bill and Elaine built their second home, a barndominium, in 2018 where they spent their retired days together until Bill’s passing in 2022, and taking care of her mother, Dianne, until her passing in 2024.

Elaine was also known for her love of rocks and fossils, as she could be found many days alone in her spare time or with her daughter at the creek searching and collecting fossils and beautiful stones that she would bring home and display in her flower and rock gardens. She enjoyed volunteering at Old Fashion Days in North Salem, Old Fashion Christmas, Farmer’s Market and anywhere she was needed. She was a member of the Modern Homemakers Association (Home Ec) for many years as well.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Dianne Neff, and her beloved husband, Bill Burkhard. She leaves behind her children, David Brunes, Amanda Brunes, Heather Burkhard, and Jesse (Summer) Burkhard; her grandchildren, Cody (Lulu) Coleman, Wylie and Brandt New, Bristol and Rhett Brunes, Savannah Kitchen, Gaige, Christian, and Alexis Burkhard; and an abundant amount of family and friends. Elaine will always be remembered as a huge staple in the community, and will be forever loved and missed by all.

Services will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, August 2, 2025 in Eric MD Bell Funeral Home, where friends are invited to gather with the family from 12 pm until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, North Salem, following the service.

Memorial gifts are suggested to Fairview Cemetery Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

All are encouraged to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time of loss.

https://www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com/obituaries/elaine-burkhard

07/24/2025

Gary Lee Baldwin, 63 of Brazil, Indiana, passed away on July 19, 2025, at Danville Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family. Gary was born on February 1, 1962, in Indianapolis, to James Everett and Patsy Joan (Carroll) Baldwin who preceded him in death. After high school, he honorably joined the United States Army Reserve. On June 7, 1980, he married Leslie "Jane" (Alexander) Baldwin, and together they had three children. He retired from M&M Transport as a skilled diesel mechanic. Gary was a devoted hunter whose happy place was the forest. A real jokester who made everyone smile; he befriended anyone he met. He truly loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his three children, Michael (Candice) Baldwin, Jennifer (Eric) Michael, and Alex (Courtney) Baldwin; eight grandchildren, Cory, Gracelynn, Hayden, Ethan, Logan, Bella, Kailey and Eli; his brothers, Jimmy, Randy and Perry; his sister, Sue Tidd; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana. Visitation will be from 1pm to 3pm, with the funeral service beginning at 3pm. Gary will be laid to rest with military honors in Sparks Cemetery, following the service.

View Gary Lee Baldwin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/17/2025

Please keep the George family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.

View John Michael George's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/17/2025

All are encouraged to keep the Gordon family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult and unexpected time of loss.

View Dylan Gordon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/10/2025

Join us for a great morning of fun in the park.

Cars and Coffee ☕️

July 19
8-11 am