Louis Martin Bell

Louis Martin Bell, a retired Social Security Administration Public Inquiries Director and active churchman, died August 30, 2023. The former Sparks resident was 92.

Born in Sedalia, Missouri, Mr. Bell grew up in Warsaw, Missouri. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He earned a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Missouri. He studied at Johns Hopkins and American University. He served in the 1st Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas, during the Korean War. He taught English and Speech at the Clinton, Missouri Senior High School for four years. In 1959, he began working for the Social Security Administration (SSA)  in Woodlawn, Maryland. He worked there until his retirement in 1999. He received numerous commendations and honors for his work, including SSA’s highest Honor, the Commissioner’s Citation. He also received the first public service commendation ever awarded by the St. Louis Regional Office of the United States Office of Personnel Management.

Mr. Bell was an active member of the Epsicopal Church and served on the Vestries and as a Parish Officer, at Immanuel Church, Glencoe, and St. John’s Church, Mt Washington.

Mr. Bell enjoyed reading and music and had extensive collections of books and recordings. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends by playing the guitar and singing.

Mr. Bell  was a loving and devoted family man. In addition to his wife of 70 years, the former DeaSue Spicer, he is survived by his two sons and two daughters: Louis M. Bell, Jr of Philadelphia, PA, William B. Bell (Ben) of Roland Park, MD, Laura A. Vaughn of Dover, DE and Karen E. Bell (Edie) of Baldwin, MD. He was a grandfather to 14, great- grandfather to 10 and great- great- grandfather to 1.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Louis’ life with a visitation at The Church of the Holy Comforter – 130 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville, MD 21093, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 6PM-8PM. Where a service will take place, Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 11AM.

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