John "Coach" Michael Bell

John Michael “Coach” Bell, age 77, passed away, unexpectedly, at home on December 22, 2024 surrounded by his wife and two children and was reunited with fallen comrades and family members who passed before him.

John “Coach Bell” was born September 16, 1947 to parents Joseph Christy and Melba Lea (Murray) Bell in Chandler, Oklahoma. He graduated from Star Spencer High School in 1965. After high school he enlisted in the military, where he served his country from 1966 to 2007. He attended college at Central State University (UCO) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science.

Coach married Mary Gibson-Bell on July 23rd, 1966 and they remained married until her passing in 2012. Coach remarried Cindy Wester Bell on February 22, 2014, and they remained married until his passing.

Some of Coach’s professional and personal accomplishments were becoming Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force, being named Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1976, 1979, 1985, and 1994, being named the Oklahoma Officials Coach of the Year and All State Coach in 1994, and being named the Little All City Coach of the Year in 1999. He also competed in, and won many medals while competing in the Senior Olympic Games. Coach would want to be remembered as someone who was patriotic, loving and compassionate. He taught others to love, to show empathy and to encourage others. He also taught those who knew him the true meaning of tenacity. His favorite saying was “You’re only as old as you feel”.

Though Coach has passed away, he will always be remembered through the cherished memories of him coaching and mentoring others, as well as the love and encouragement that he shared with everyone in is life.

John Michael “Coach” Bell was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Christy and Melba Lea (Murray) Bell, his first wife Mary Gibson-Bell, and brothers, Wendell and David Bell. He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Wester-Bell, and children Donya Bell-Hau and spouse Ronald of Piedmont, Oklahoma; Eric Bell of Blanchard, Oklahoma; John Wester and spouse Renee of Arcadia, Oklahoma and Chris Kennedy and spouse Amber of Houston, Texas; as well as his brother Glendell Bell and spouse Mary of Harrah, Oklahoma, and Marilyn Bell, the surviving wife of his brother Wendell of Sacramento, California. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren; Morgyn Hau-Duncan, Jake Hau, Kailea Bell (KK), Chase Turner, Grayson Wester, Grady Wester, Griffin Wester, Chloe Kennedy, Alexander Kennedy, Makenzie Robnett, Morgan Robnett, Callen Robnett and Caiden Robnett as well as his only great grandchild, Mary Scarlett Duncan. He was also an uncle to far too many nieces and nephews to mention.

A celebration of life for John will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 12 Jackson Ave NW, Piedmont, OK 73078.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in John's memory be made to the American Legion Mustang Post 353, P.O. Box 551, Mustang OK 73064.