Herman Lee Bell

Herman Lee BellHerman Lee Bell, formerly of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully September 16, 2016, in Jennings, Louisiana. He was a resident of the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home. Another member of the Greatest Generation has finished his journey here on earth. Herman was born March 4, 1923, to Mark and Alma Bell in Carrizo Springs, Texas. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the Navy aboard the USS Independence CVL-22, the nation's first aircraft carrier to conduct night time air raids. Herman was very involved in the planning of the annual USS Independence CVL-22 Reunion group serving as Treasurer for several years. Reunions were held across the country and were an event all the shipmates looked forward to as they enjoyed their time together reminiscing about their time on ship. He was blessed to be on Austin Honor Flight #29 , The Trip of a Lifetime; and was interviewed on Lake Charles KPLC Channel 7 as a Hometown Hero which highlighted his surviving a torpedo hit to his ship. While in Corpus Christi, Herman was involved in the Oso Senior Golf Association, various bridge groups, and assisted with computer classes for senior citizens. He was an honored member of The Descendants of Stephen F Austin ' Old 300. Herman was an avid gardener and enjoyed time in his garden and greenhouse until he moved from his home in 2015. He was a wonderful cook and was well known for his grilling skills. He was also known as a master storyteller and loved to tell jokes.Herman is preceded in death by his loving wife, Martha, his daughters, Mary Kathryn Bell and Carol Cannon, and his grandson, Robert Marquardt. He is survived by his loving family who will miss him dearly: daughter Marsha Leban and her husband, Michael; daughters Susan Bell and Sandra Moore; grandchildren Jonathan Marquardt; Jennifer Morrow and her husband, Bryan and their children, Emmalee and Easton; Michelle and Stephanie Moore, and Taylor Bell; brother-in law Alton Ruff; nephews, cousins, and long time friends. The family would like to thank caregiver, Sylvia Trevino, who went above and beyond her duties to care for Herman while he was in assisted living in Corpus Christi. He enjoyed their 'heated' political discussions, her sincere friendship, and her family.A memorial service will be held graveside on Saturday, November 12th, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1412 N. Ninth Street, Carrizo Springs, TX, directed by Leonard Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the First Baptist Church, 706 W. Houston Street.