John Phillip Bell

John Phillip Bell was born on March 15, 1941 in Stroud, Oklahoma; the son of John Wesley Bell and Vera (Gwartney) Bell. Phillip began his primary education in Barnsdall and then moved to Pryor his freshman year. Phillip is a graduate of Pryor High School and an alumni member of the Class of 1959. Phillip also pursued post-graduation education and athletics at OMA Junior College and Tulsa University in Business Administration. He was also a member of the 1959 state runner up basketball team of Pryor High School, where he utilized his extreme corner shots to excite the crowd and contribute to the team’s success. John Phillip Bell faithfully served our country as a Sergeant in the Armed Forces until July 31, 1967. He married Esta Jean Powell on March 22, 1963 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and they have been married for 57 years. Phillip was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church, where he attended Sunday School and worship services on a regular basis. He also owned and operated a successful business for 35 plus years, Phil’s Wheel Alignment, where many friendships cultivated. Phillip was a devoted and loving husband. He was a great dad and friend to Brent and could be seen teaching Brent to play baseball and how to fish. Phillip’s humorous personality, fun and interesting vacations, and positive influences will be missed every day. However, they will never be forgotten. He is loved very much.

Graveside services for Phillip will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 31, 2020 at Graham Memorial Cemetery with Dr. Mike Cox officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Esta Jean Bell; son, Brent Phillip Bell; grandsons, Peyton and Carson Bell; and brother in law, Steve Powell and wife Emily of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Vera; sister, Rita Knight; nephew, Bryan Johnson; father in law, Lowell Powell; and mother in law, Juanita Powell.