Clarence D. Bell

For other people named Clarence Bell, see Clarence Bell (disambiguation).

Clarence Deshong Bell (February 4, 1914 – July 26, 2002) was an American politician who served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania's 9th Senatorial district from 1960 until his death in 2002.^[2] He also served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1954 to 1959.^[3]

Clarence D. Bell
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 9th district
In office January 3, 1961 – July 26, 2002
Preceded by	George Watkins
Succeeded by	Dominic Pileggi
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the Delaware County district
In office January 3, 1955 – November 30, 1960
Personal details
Born	February 4, 1914 Upland, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	July 26, 2002(2002-07-26) (aged 88)[1] Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Resting place	Chester Rural Cemetery, Chester, Pennsylvania
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Mary Isabel James
Children	2 children
Alma mater	Swarthmore College (BA) Harvard University (LLB) U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

Bell is the longest-serving state senator in Pennsylvania history.^[4]

Early life and education

Bell was born in Upland, Pennsylvania on February 4, 1914, to Samuel R. and Belle (Hanna) Bell. Bell graduated from Swarthmore College in 1935. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1938 and received a doctorate in law from Harvard Law School in 1970.^[5] Bell also studied at the US Army Command and General Staff College.^[4]

Personal life

Bell was a Major General in the Pennsylvania National Guard and served during World War II. Bell served for 38 years in the Army and reserves.^[5]

Bell is interred at the Chester Rural Cemetery in Chester, Pennsylvania.^[4]

Clarence D. Bell gravesite at Chester Rural Cemetery in Chester, Pennsylvania in 2018