Charles Bell, 95; Son of General Mills Founder, Company Executive

Charles H. Bell, 95, the son of General Mills founder James Ford Bell and a former company president, died Saturday in Santa Barbara after weeks of failing health.

Along with his father and grandfather, Charles Bell played a key role in shaping the early flour-milling days of General Mills, the Golden Valley, Minn.-based food maker.

Born in Minneapolis, Bell was educated at Yale University. He joined General Mills in 1930 at age 22. During his 47 years at the company, he worked in accounting, auditing, sales, research and production.

Bell was president from 1952 to 1961; chairman of the board from 1961 to 1967; and chairman of the executive committee from 1962 to 1969.

In his time at the helm, Bell broadened the company’s holdings to include toys, clothing and retail. He retired in 1969, but remained on the board of directors until 1977.