Donald Edmund Bell

Donald Edmund Bell, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026 after a long battle with diabetes and dementia. Born April 2, 1945 in Galveston, TX to Charles Bell and Ruth Tarman Bell, Don spent his childhood growing up seven miles east of Willis, TX.

Don graduated from Conroe High School in 1963 and earned his BBA and MBA from Sam Houston State University. He joined Sigma Chi fraternity, serving as their treasurer and later president. He was a banker in Broken Arrow, OK from 1969-1984. After he and his first wife divorced in 1985, he returned to Conroe and joined the Texas Employment Commission. Around this time, while rebuilding his life, he fought and won custody of his three teenage daughters. He worked long hours with multiple side jobs to support them as a single father.

Don was passionate about his work with the employment commission, particularly as Project RIO representative, helping ex-felons get integrated back into the workforce. He retired in 2011 after 26 rewarding years.

Don’s mantra was “Life is good!” Ever grateful for his life and family, he enjoyed every moment to the fullest.

Don’s natural white beard and jolly demeanor made him a perfect Santa. He loved playing Santa and did so “for fun and for free” for two decades for office parties, women’s shelters, friends, and family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest brother, Richard Phillips Bell, and his second wife, Mary Nixon-Shute Greene Bell. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 24 years, Sally Chase Bell, brother Jack Bell, daughters, Lisa Milburn, Amy Emmerich, and Emily Edgington, stepson Paul Shute, grandchildren Richard and Heather Maidla, Logan Bell, Peyton and Summer Bell, Camille Emmerich, Max Emmerich, and CJ Edgington, two beautiful great-granddaughters, numerous nieces and a nephew, and a host of loving friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 12th from 2-5p at Park Creek Senior Living, 16718 Huffmeister Rd, Cypress TX 77429.