Leslie Hunter Bell

Les Bell, beloved Husband, Father, brother, and friend passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023. He was born to Clarence and Helen Bell on November 18, 1949, who have preceded him in death. He’s survived by his wife of 48 years, Patricia, and his children Brian Bell, Kevin Bell, and Erin Harrelson. Grandchildren Flynn Bell, Blythe Bell, Cohen Bell, River Bell and Hunter Harrelson, and his brother, Jim Bell.

Les was born into a military family but claimed West Texas, specifically El Paso, as home. He attended the University of Texas at El Paso where he was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Les enlisted in the Navy and served two tours during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, he rejoined his now wife, Pat, and brother, Jim, in Lubbock, TX as a member of the Red Raider faithful. Les graduated from Texas Tech University in 1976 with his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

After graduation, Les and Pat moved to Odessa, Tx to take on his role with Parks Department. He loved the outdoors, especially spending time out in the West Texas heat. Work brought him to San Antonio in 1982. In 1986, he opened the doors of L.H. Bell Landscape Architect and pursued his passion of designing landscapes that could stand the test of time. He made many friends throughout the industry that were like family and always looked forward to trips to the ASLA Convention.

Les, or Dad & Papa as his kids liked to call him, was a wonderful father and especially proud grandfather. He loved his kids and was known to spend most of his afternoons and Saturdays at sports practices or sitting in the stands cheering us on. He engrained in each of us a love for music and especially a respect for jazz. It will be hard to not remember him putzing around in his garage while KRTU swooned in the background. He also had the biggest spot in his heart for our four-legged family members and was usually every pet’s favorite person. How lucky is he to be reunited with all of his pups again!

Les was known by many for his creative mind, sense of humor, and his ability to make you feel like a long-lost friend within minutes of meeting. It was rare that he didn’t somehow know somebody in a room but in those rare instances, he always walked out having made a new friend. He loved his family and enjoyed attending family reunions, catching up over the phone, or meeting for lunch. He will be greatly missed by many.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 2nd at 12pm at Porter Loring North. Interment will follow at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. If you don’t know who to donate to, we suggest some of Les’s favorites:

- KRTU (Trinity’s very own Jazz Radio Station)- Animal Defense League- St Jude’s Childrens Hospital