John Bell

BENJAMIN FUNERAL SERVICE NOWATA, OKLAHOMA 918-273-2700....

Long time area resident of Nowata, John Bell, 86, passed away at his home on October 10, 2020, with his loving family by his side.

He was born November 5, 1933, in Pryor, OK, to George and Argie Berniece (Sinor) Bell. He has a nick name of Brother John given to him by his brother, Dude Bell. John attended school in Moline, KS. He married Marilyn Lois (Wolfe) on April 8, 1953.

He was a heavy machine operator his entire adult life and worked for many road constructions companies throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma before settling down in Nowata in 1974. He worked for his brother (Dude Bell) from 1974 until 2007. We are not really sure when John finally retired, as he would go help his nephew, Brent, whenever he would ask him. He loved it when he had the opportunity to help him. He was the happiest when he was asked to help on a job. John was one of the hardest working men we all knew.

Before retirement, back in  the early 70’s  John and his wife Marilyn would head to Florida in November to spend their winters there, returning in the spring, fueled up and ready to go to work., While in Florida, he enjoyed going to the ocean and traveling around visiting new sites. He most enjoyed his trips to the Orange Orchard and the tomato patches where he would pick fresh fruit and tomatoes. He continued this tradition even after Marilyn’s passing in April 8, 1999.

In recent years, John and Judy would meet his sister, Edna and her late husband, Carl in Florida. He greatly enjoyed these trips. John had many friends that he would meet up with in Florida for many years and had a lot of good times there.

John loved to plant tomatoes in the summer. He loved working in the yard and kept his yard looking pretty all of the time. He loved to mow and would mow a couple of times a week.

He loved his dog, Shasta and she was his companion to go to town or take a nap. He would lock her in the car with it running, so she would be comfortable. Shasta also accompanied John and Judy on their trips to Florida.

John loved his family with all of his heart, then he had a very special lady, Judy, that came into his life. They helped each other in many ways, and they had many fun adventures together. Together, they met new people and created a fabulous life together. He enjoyed watching both his and Judy’s family grow together, and he loved them as much as they loved him.

Preceding Mr. Bell in death was his wife Marilyn Lois (Wolfe) Bell, his parents George and Berniece Bell, sisters Georgia Wilson and Ethel Helms, and brother James (Dude) Bell.

Survivors include his sons Donald and wife Jeanie Bell of Hermitage, MO, Roy Mosher and wife Connie of Bonner Springs, KS, daughter Linda Thompson and husband Les of LaCygne, KS,. His life partner Judy Grant, and her daughters Jeri McElhaney of Talala, Joan Spradling of Ozark, MO and his sister Edna Armstrong of Augusta, KS, his sister-in-law Caryl Bell of Nowata, grandkids Becky Damitz, Missy Volcko, Donny Bell, Cheryl Metcalf, Travis Crockett, Bryan Mosher, Natalie Huff, Amanda Goin, Pamie Baker, Ricky Englehart, Jeremy Sanders, Jordan Henderson, Taylor McElhaney, Shawn Spradling, and Shelia Shaw, and 27 great grand kids, 5 great- great grandchildren, 8 nephews, 3 nieces, a host of family and friends.

Services for John Bell will be held, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Benjamin Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Larry Delay officiating. Services are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or see our Facebook page.