COLUMBUS, IN
Burdell Harmon Sell, age 94, of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life peacefully in the early hours of October 30, 2025, at Brown County Health and Living in Nashville, Indiana.
Burdell was born in Bippus, Indiana on June 1, 1931, to Harmon and June (Piepenbrink) Sell.
He was a graduate of Huntington North High School in Huntington, Indiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music at Indiana University, and later a master’s degree in educational administration from Michigan State University.
He served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army 1955-57.
Burdell arrived in Columbus in 1961 to become music director at Columbus North High School and continued his commitment to education as Dean of Boys at Northside Middle School then Assistant Principal at Central Middle School until retirement. His contribution continued after retiring as both he and his wife, Jan, served as student teacher advisors at Franklin College.
A lifelong Indiana University fan, Burdell enjoyed many Hoosier football tailgates and basketball games. Given the opportunity he would freely share his team and game analysis. As a constant in his life Burdell was deeply rooted in the craft, performance and appreciation of music. He nurtured early community music programs that were unique in their day. One never questioned his faith, and you could witness it as a proud member of the First United Methodist Church where he jubilantly sang in the Chancel Choir for many years.
He is survived by his children: Laurie Sell-Randall of Murfreesboro TN, David (Claire) Slone of O’Fallon IL, Cheryl (Marc) Rothbart of Columbus IN, and Steve (Gretchen) Sell of Auburn CA, 7 grandchildren: Ashley (John) Bennett of Murfreesboro TN, Erika Fagley of Murfreesboro TN, Ryan Slone and Elise Slone both of O’Fallon IL, Isaac Pollert of State College PA, Noah (Shelby) Pollert of Greenville IN, Levi Pollert of Columbus IN, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his cherished wife of 44 years, Janice (Isom) of Mitchell, Indiana, his parents, and great-grandson Rowan Fagley.
Several years ago, Burdell donated his body to anatomical education. We invite you to join us to celebrate Burdell’s life at a later spring date. We will share details about the service when they are finalized.
To honor his memory donations, if desired, can be sent in his name to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or First United Methodist Church Choir.
