Frank Allen Bell

Frank Allen Bell, loving husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully on February 21, 2022 in Midland, Texas.

Born in Silsbee, Texas on February 22, 1935, he was the only child of Evelener Whitaker Bell and Eugene Ward Bell.  Frank grew up in Silsbee, graduating from Silsbee High School in 1952.  He went on to receive a BBA degree in Accounting from Lamar University and then attended graduate school at Texas A&M University.

On June 21, 1958, Frank and Gretchen Ernst were married in Silsbee and they were the parents of two children, Rebecca Caroline Bell and Allen Ernst Bell.

Frank served with the U.S. Army from 1957-1963.  During his professional career, Frank was employed by Federated Department Stores, Beaumont Enterprise Company, Liquid Paper Corporation, The Gillette Company, Canyon Consolidated Corporation and Insilco Corporation in executive management positions.  He served as executive director of the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale from 1993-1997 and again as interim executive director in 2000.  In the early years of his career, the family moved many times and enjoyed making new friends and lasting memories.

He and his family came to Midland in 1981, leaving in 1985 for a position in San Antonio.  Fond memories of Midland were a factor in his returning to Midland in 1989 to accept a position with a new venture begun by Wagner and Brown.

In Midland, Frank served on the board of directors of Manor Park for 18 years.  He has also served on the boards of the West Texas Food Bank, Midland County Library, West Texas Jazz Society, First Christian Church and Memorial Christian Church.  Many other nonprofit organizations have benefited from his voluntary service.

Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife Gretchen; children Rebecca, Allen and his wife Diana; and grandchildren Amanda and Christian, all of Midland.

Frank enthusiastically attended countless piano recitals, athletic competitions, birthday parties, graduations and other events in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Frank enjoyed travelling and he and Gretchen took many “road trips.” They explored Texas from Brownsville to the Panhandle.  Some of their favorite trips were in the American Southwest.  They made visiting national parks and presidential museums a goal of many trips.

Frank loved God, his family, his country and the great State of Texas.  A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on March 5, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church in Midland.

Memorial donations may be directed to Midland College Foundation, 3600 N. Garfield, Midland, TX 79705; or First Christian Church of Midland, 1301 W. Louisiana Ave, Midland, TX 79701.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.