Milton H. Bell
Milton Hugh Bell, 89, was a gentle Christian, caring man, and never said an unkind word about anyone. His humble character was above reproach, and his creative, brilliant mind and leadership qualities were superior. He was honest, caring, and was an inspiration to everyone who met him. His playful sense of humor was always a source of joy and light. He was a man who truly knew the meaning of friendship. He will be sorely missed by his family and all of his friends.
Milton was born on July 5, 1929 to Milton P. Bell & Mary Julia Fant Bell. Milton was a member of the Port Arthur’s Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 1948. He went on to attend Texas A&M and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture Design Degree in May of 1953.
Milton entered active duty in the U.S. Army after obtaining his degree. Milton was a Korean War veteran serving as Lieutenant in the field artillery, and graduated from the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College. He served as a staff officer and as a commander of various Army Reserve units, and retired as a byrd colonel in 1980. Following his tour in Korea, Lieutenant Bell worked for an architect in San Antonio which would lead to him joining the Beaumont Architecture & Engineering firm Stone & Pitts. He later left the Pitts firm to begin a private architectural practice in February 1966, which became known as DBA Milton Bell Associates, INC. Milton was dedicated to his firm until his reluctant retirement in 2015.
Long known for his positive outlook on life, Milton was actively involved in many civic organizations including serving as the Director of Texas Society of Architects, President of the Southeast Texas Chapter AIA, Director of the American Red Cross- United Way of North Jefferson County, Director of Beaumont Main Street program, Director of Beaumont Goals Committee, Board Member of the Babe Zaharias Foundation, Chairman of the City of Beaumont Board of Adjustments, Chairman of the City of Beaumont’s Historical Landmark Commission, American Institute of Architects, Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Some Other Place, and the Southeast Texas Food Bank.
Some of Milton’s more notable projects which he always had a passion for include : The U.S. Embassy in Mexico, Biology building at Texas A&M, Mercedes Benz dealership, Jefferson Theatre renovation, The Julie Rogers Theatre renovation, Texas Energy Museum, Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center, Babe Zaharias Memorial Museum, I.B.E. Local 479 building, renovations at Trinity Methodist, St. Marks Episcopal, All Saints Episcopal, First Christian Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Park Church of Christ. Numerous medical facilities including Beaumont Bone & Joint, Southeast Texas Medical Associates, Cardiology Associates, and the City of Beaumont Health Center.
He was an active member of Trinity Methodist Church. Milton served on various committees and was a member of the HAMACO Sunday School class.
Milton enjoyed life, family members, and many friends. He is proceeded in death by his mother, father, and sister Audrey Borel. He is survived by his wife Hester Bell, his children, stepchildren, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Raymond Milton Bell (Ida), Julie Bell-Vallejo (Boris), Kathleen Beveridge (Derek), Suzanne Chamberlin (Kent), step-children Leslie Leone & Jason Leone. Six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a host of loved ones and friends.
A gathering of Mr. Bell’s family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., in the Nita McKnight Parlor, with his funeral service to follow in the sanctuary at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont. His entombment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77701, or Camp Hope for PTSD Affected Veterans, 9724 Derrington Road, Houston, Texas 77064.
Magnolia Cemetery
Magnolia Cemetery
- 2291 pine st beaumont tx 77703
Funeral Service
Funeral Service
- 3430 harrison ave. beaumont tx 77706
- 01/05/2019
- 3:00 pm
- 3430 harrison ave. beaumont tx 77706
- 01/05/2019
- 3:20 pm
Comments
Mary Alsdurf
Hester I am so very sorry to hear of Milton’s passing. God bless you and your family.
Kenneth Borel, Donna & Abby
Prayers for our beloved uncle, Aunt Hester, and all our cousins. Even though we have always been spread out geographically, he greatly impacted our lives with his love and the example he set. The world was blessed to have someone as talented, and good as he was. I especially will miss him.
Bonnie and Robert Madden
Fine gentleman. Good friend. Thinking of you, Hester, and the family.
Greg Wall
Milton Bell was an will continue to be a role model for me. As a young architect, I looked up to Milton for the examples he set for his commitment and service to his community. I relied on his counsel and advice as I entered the architectural field and will be forever grateful for all that I learned from him.
Richard Gachot
Very sorry to hear of Milton's passing. He was a great man - contributing selflessly to the preservation of downtown architecture. Our thoughts go out to Hester and the family. Richard and Vera
Lee and Gina Acevedo Jr.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Milton's passing. He was our friend for almost four decades . He was instrumental in getting our firm started, a mentor and most of all a true friend. People like him are a disappearing breed. His word was his bond. He always gave more than he took,. his legacy will live on through all the monuments he built. We will miss his phone calls and talking about Old Times. Milton , we loved you in life and we rejoice in you reaching paradise with our Heavenly Father. Rest In Peace My Friend. Father I pray you hold the Bell family in your loving embrace. Grant them comfort and peace in their time of sorrow and always. In Jesus name I pray Amen and Amen.
Jimmy and Mary Boggan
Hester, so sorry to hear of Milton's passing. Prayers for you and the family.
Richard, Renae, and Luke Borel
Our sympathies to Hester, Ray, Julie, Kathleen, Suzanne, and their families on the passing of our Uncle Milton. He was a wonderful big brother to our Mother and an excellent example for all who knew him. He will be missed.
Donna M Meeks & Jim L Jordan
Dear Hester and family - We were saddened to hear of Milton's passing. His contributions to the community will long be remembered. Deepest Condolences.
Scott & Karen Miller
Hester, Scott and I were saddened to learn of Milton’s passing. Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Karleen Watson
I was Milton Bell’s next door neighbor in Cheska Hollow for over 15 years! I cannot remember an ugly thing he said about anyone! The world will truly miss the good and talented man that he was! I am so sorry for your loss! Karleen Watson
Terry Shipman
Hester, Nancy and I are so saddened to hear of Milton's passing. I worked with Milton as his structural engineer many years. Working as a structural engineer with architects can be difficult at times. Milton and I never had any difficult times. I never saw him when he didn't tell me how much he appreciated me and thanked me for being his friend. Needless to say, I will miss Milton. RIP my friend..
Dana Archibald
When Judy and I read the obituary we both we cast silent.....what beautiful words and a truly spot on expression of Milton Bell. Hester, you and Milton were great friends of SO many....including the Archibalds. He has left MORE than a lasting impression on this town, his friends and family and he has lived a life well lived! His legacy is one of dignity, grace, gratitude and he lived his life the way most people strive to. He indeed has been the role model for what our society misses these days and I know that Terry greated him with a big hug and most likely a drink. We Love You ALL and will be praying for the wonderful memories to comfort you during your sorrow!
Bruce and Christina Reyes
Ms Hester, We are sorry to hear of Mr Milton’s passing. We are here for you. We will keep you in our prayers.
Bert and Patsy Fontenot
Sorry for your loss Hester. May the Lord give you the strength to get through this sad time.
Beverly & Paul Hay
Beverly and I are so saddened to hear of Milton’s passing. He has always been an example of professonalism and dedicated to his practice. We always valued each other’s expertise when working together on a project. He was a gentlemen, and I will remember Milton as a dear friend. He will be truly missed. Hester you will always be in our prayers. Paul Hay
Neil & Candy Spiller
Deepest condolences to Hester and Family. Milton was such a gentleman who truly left his mark on Beaumont. We know you will miss him. God bless you. Neil & Candy
Jim Shell Family
Milton was a dedicated and professional individual who truly loved being an Architect. I was honored to know and work with him for so many years. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family. Jim Shell
Peggy Corder
I worked for Kenneth Ruddy so my exposure to the kindness of Mr Bell was on a limited basis. But I always enjoyed our phone conversation and looked forward to the short visits when he came by the office. Prayers of blessings, peace and comfort to the family. He was a gentle, kind man that will be missed.
Cindy Madden Morris Nepinsky
Hester, I’m so sorry to hear of Milton’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ❤️
NL
My sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you all seek God for comfort, peace, strength and support (2 Cor 1:3).
Mark casto
Prayers for the family, Mr Bell was a great man and enjoyed working with him. He will be missed.
Susan Williams
Hester and family, Mark and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your dearest Milton's passing. You are in our thoughts.
Mel Overton Bradburn
Hester, Tommi and I are so sorry to learn of Milton's death. We are thinking of you and family.