Henry M. Bell

A native of Trenton, Kentucky and a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, he died on Monday, September 21st after a short illness. He was 84 and was retired from The Dow Chemical Company where he enjoyed a long and distinguished career, beginning as what he would describe as a “bench chemist” and ending as a member of the management team of Dow’s Louisiana Operations. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany as part of the post-war military presence in Europe during the 1950’s. He was, most of the time, a man of few words, but when he did speak his words were always thoughtful and occasionally surprising. He loved his children and grandchildren and was a source of encouragement to them when they seemed to need it the most. He was the only child of Parker and Belle Bell of Trenton, Kentucky, and was preceded in death by his two lovely and loving wives – Sarah Bell, who was a wonderful mother to their three sons, and Billie Bell who was an equally wonderful grandmother to all of his grandchildren. He is survived by his son Chip and wife Donna of Westlake Village, California, his son Tom of Baton Rouge, and his son Christopher John and wife Debbie of Amelia, Ohio, grandchildren Brian, Chris and wife Jenna, David, and Lauren Bell, Morgan and Taylor Bell, Elizabeth Rawdon and husband Robert and Emily Stewart and husband James, and great grandchildren Oliver and Opal Rawdon and Jack and Andrew Stewart. Visiting at Green Oaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Boulevard on Saturday, September 26th beginning at 8:30 am, with a brief memorial service to follow at 10:00 am. In keeping with Henry’s wishes, gentlemen are asked to kindly remove their neckties at the door, or to simply leave them at home in the first place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge or a charity of the donor’s choice.