Donnis Glynn Bell, Sr. traveled to his heavenly home on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. He was born on Mar. 12, 1938 and raised in DeQuincy. He proudly served the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Brooklyn, New York where he met the love of his life, Frankie, and they were married for 49 years. He owned and operated Bell’s Plumbing and Electric and Bell’s Wrecker Service. He drove a school bus for Calcasieu Parish for 25 years and served as the Ward 6 Constable for multiple terms. He was a driver for the Isle of Capri and most recently for DeQuincy Memorial Hospital. Donnis served the citizens of DeQuincy as assistant fire chief of Ward 6 Fire Department. He joined in 1989 and served as an active volunteer for 10 years and was an honorary member for the last 24 years.
Donnis and Frankie were very active in the community with Boys and Girls Scouts, Dixie Youth Baseball, Jaycee & Jaynes (including the Tiny Tot pageant and the DeQuincy Jr. Miss program), and local church activities. They received the Civic Service Award in 1980 from the DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce. He loved hunting and fishing and most of all, playing his guitar.
He is survived by his three daughters, Laurie Mueller of DeQuincy, Annette Touchette and husband Robie of DeRidder, and Cathy Coberly of DeQuincy; his grandchildren, Donnie III, Amy, Trista, Matt, Kaci, Quinton, Colton, Danielle, Corey, Kristi, Adam, and Nick; and great-grandchildren, Harper, Evelyn, Olivia, Addison, Ty, Walker, Theo, Julia, Aiden, Avery, Owen, and Claire; and two on the way.
Donnis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Frankie Bell, his sons, Donnis Bell Jr. and Douglas Bell; son-in-law, Chris Mueller; his siblings, Charles Bell, Pauline Ashworth, and Velma Streams; along with his parents, Paul and Versie Bell.
A Celebration of Donnis’ life was held at Hargrove Bible Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m., with Bro. Vance Perkins, Bro. Scott Streams, and Bro. Paul Nugent officiating. Visitation was at Hixson-Snider Funeral Home in DeQuincy on Friday, Feb. 24, from 6 until 9 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m.
Visitation resumed at Hargrove Bible Baptist on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial followed at Masonic Cemetery in DeQuincy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary’s Residential Training School in Boyce.
Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home, 205 E. Harrison St., DeQuincy.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.
(Paid Memorial)
