from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — William J. Bedell, 88, of Norwalk, Ohio, died April 17, 2010, in Fisher-Titus Medical Center.
He was born Jan. 8, 1922, in Norwalk, the son of the late LeRoy S. and Helen M. (Arnold) Bedell, and was a lifelong area resident. Mr. Bedell was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II in England. He retired from New Departure in Sandusky where he worked for 30 years.
He enjoyed farming and owned and drove Standardbreds. He raced horses from the Huron County Fairgrounds for more than 30 years, breeding a winner of the Fulton Pace for 2-year-olds, and also raced at Northfield Park and at several tracks in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan and Canada. He had also been a judge at many area county fairs.
Mr. Bedell bred and bought only the best bloodlines which led to his success in the harness racing industry, and he was proud to have owned Fast Fox, Bye Bye Diana and Meadow Dart. He also enjoyed stock car racing, hunting and family gatherings.
He was a member of the USTA, Buckeye Trotting Association, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Ohio Colt Racing Association, and Western Ohio Colt Racing Association. He was also a life member of Firelands Post 2743 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Norwalk.
He participated in the Ohio Sire Stakes, Buckeye Super Stakes Circuit, Northern Ohio Colt Stakes, Home Talent Colt Stakes, North Central Colt Stakes and the Northwest Ohio Colt Stakes.
Mr. Bedell is survived by his sisters, Geneva Cox, Jean (Phil) Leak and Shirley Mack; and by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Kaye Francis Sommers and Mary Wagner.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870. Condolences may be expressed at edwalkerfuneralhome.com.