Langdon D. Bell

Langdon David Bell, husband, father, Pops, friend and all around Wonderful Human Being (WHB), died on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Born on May 17, 1939, Langdon grew up in a family of seven boys and rode his horse Tony to school in the suburbs of Cleveland, or could be found hanging out with his “gang” the “Stilettos” at their meetings held in a chicken coop; “NO GIRLS ALLOWED.”

Lang went on to attend Miami University, graduating in three years with a degree in political science. He made lifelong friends at college and became a “Miami Merger” after marrying his wife, Emily in 1964. Lang went on to attend law school at the Ohio State University. After beginning his legal career at the Public Utility Commission of Ohio, Lang opened his own firm in 1969 and practiced in the utility sector. He retired in 2019 as a labor arbitrator.

After beginning their married life in Clintonville, OH, Emily and Lang bought a historic home in Norwich Township, which once was a commercial apple orchard. With lots of chutzpah and elbow grease, they created a gorgeous haven called Rock Run, where they hosted dinner parties, family reunions and cider pressing with friends and neighbors. Langdon was always ready to give tractor rides to anyone up for a spin, and in the summer he could be found partaking in epic water balloon fights with his grandkids. Rock Run was also the location of many ever-escalating practical jokes between Lang and his rowdy friends; some highlights being The Sangria West – a bar opened in a back barn, and a live turkey being placed in Lang’s bathtub. Rock Run and the memories made there were one of the great sources of pride and joy in Lang’s life. 

He loved gin and tonics, ice cream, mowing the lawn, discussing the law, grilling out and smoking salmon, skiing and whooping loudly in all aspects of life outside of work. Ella Fitzgerald and the Rat Pack could get Langdon’s feet dancing and fingers snapping – even in his final days. Lang was always ready to take your money in a game of gin rummy or Liar’s Poker, necessary life skills he taught his kids when they were 7 and 9 years old. 

Lang loved sports less so for the athletics and more for the time to visit and laugh with friends. He didn’t mind if he wasn’t the best or proficient at skiing or golf, he just loved the chance to socialize and make memories. He bobsledded with an Olympic medalist, explored ice caves on a glacier and went skydiving… and that was all after his 75th birthday. 

He enjoyed stretching the truth – but only for entertainment with his grand kids. Telling them tales of playing soccer with Pele, speaking multiple foreign languages and being a firefighter. But when not humoring his “best buddies and little sweetheart” with yarns, he honored and taught truth, pragmatism and hard work as the guiding principles of good character. Above all, Langdon’s life was defined by sharing joy and humor, gratitude, hard work and a boundless love for the law and his family. 

He had a knack for making friends easily and making all friends feel like his best friend. With his indomitable positive attitude, sheer will power, and strategic mind, he handled the hard stuff well. You wanted him on your team - and there are many teams out there who will feel his absence. 

Though Langdon spent the majority of his life living at his beloved Rock Run in Columbus, OH, he spent his final months in Franconia, NH where he and Emily could be close to their children and grandchildren.

Celebrations of life will be held at a future date in both Columbus, OH and Franconia, NH. As Langdon prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same - go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about it - or any meaningful stories of Lang!

In lieu of flowers: donations to www.feedthechildren.org