John Brekke Bell

John B. Bell passed away on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 in Covington, Louisiana at the age of 82. John was born in Los Angeles, California on August 03, 1943 to James Bell and Agnes Bell. He was raised there, along with his brother Jim, until he enlisted in the United States Navy.

Following in the footsteps of his Father, John proudly served in the Navy for 6 years. He was involved in special projects at the Naval Research Station in Newfoundland, Canada. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, John moved on to work projects for NASA. After IBM recruited him, he spent 25 years traveling and living in various places both in the United States and Canada. He met lifelong friends through his various assignments in both countries.

After IBM, John remained in Canada and started his own consulting company. Eventually he met his wife, Carol and ultimately they made a decision to move to the United States, first stop Texas. Although there a short time, many good friends were made with lasting memories of shared times.

Moving to Covington, Louisiana and accepting a leadership position with Whitney Bank, John continued to enjoy his working career. Always one to keep challenging himself, an idea for his own business blossomed and was brought to fruition. He consulted with large companies to prepare for potential threats that could cause an interruption in their daily business. He loved what he did but retirement beckoned.

In his spare time, John loved to play golf (although not necessarily well), had a love of boating, owning several different ones over the years. Met new friends who became extended family to this day. He loved his friends and the good times they shared. Whether intimate dinners or large parties, John loved to have people around him to share stories and make new memories. Liars Club lunches with the guys were something he always looked forward to.

Mowing the lawn was a pleasure for him. He didn’t like anyone to ride his mower including and especially his wife. It was cut in a very methodical way not in the crop circle style of his wife. He loved spending cherished times with grandsons Matt and Tyler over the summer vacation doing guy stuff. Teaching them to golf, fly a drone, puzzles, fry a turkey, boating and so much more. Those times meant so much to him. He was very proud of them!

John was a member of the United States Power Squadron where he quickly became involved in leadership positions both locally and regionally. He loved to do vessel safety inspections for the public as well as squadron members and help teach safe boating classes. He became involved with the Maritime Museum where he was on the Board of Directors and served as Board Treasurer. He enjoyed his time there and the people he worked with.

John is survived by his wife, Carol of 28 years, brother:Jim Bell, Children: Michelle Zemura, John Bell, Robyn Bell, Heidi Bell and cherished grandsons, Matthew Bell, Tyler Bell as well as many family and friends both near and far.

At the end of his life, John struggled with many physical health issues but always thanked doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals for helping him. He loved his dialysis care team and was always appreciative of how well they took care of him.

He was a loving husband, grandpa, devoted brother, great friend and leader. To all who knew him, he was the life of the party. His big beautiful smile and hearty laugh will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at the Southeast Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, La. on Monday, April 20th at 11 am.