Milton Hugh Bell

1929 - 2019 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. Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com