Herbert Joseph Bell Jr., SPE, passed away on 24 June 2024. He was 84. After serving in the military during the Vietnam War, Bell began his more than 50 years’ career in the oil and gas industry as a petroleum engineer. He worked for major and independent oil companies throughout Texas, specializing in oil reserves management. In 2015, Bell retired from Trek Resources where he served as vice president of operations.
Bell holds the distinction of recruiting the most members to SPE with a total recruitment number of 2,877 over his 57-year membership. In 1980, he became a member of the SPE Century Club, an honor bestowed upon members who recruit more than 100 new members.
Bell was active in industry organizations including SPE and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. He received the SPE Distinguished Membership Award in 2018, the SPE Distinguished Service Award in 2011, the SPE Mid-Continent North America Regional Service Award in 2008, and the SPE Past Chairperson Award in 2002.
Additionally, he served on several SPE committees including Annual Technical Conference Committee (1974–1975, 1979–1980), Nominating Committee (1975–1976), Membership Committee (1986–1990), Engineering Registration Subcommittee (1990–1991), Hydrocarbon Economics and Evaluation Symposium (2004–2005), and the Twenty-Five Year Club Committee (2011–2014). He also served in various roles in the Dallas Section (1987–2019).
Bell held a BS in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at El Paso.