Patrick Jay Bell was born to Raeburn and Geraldine Bell on May 26, 1950. He was the younger brother to his sister, Pamela, and nearly three years later the older brother to Michael. Growing up in Okmulgee, Pat attended Emerson Elementary School and Okmulgee Junior and Senior High Schools. A lover of the outdoors, Pat earned his Eagle Scout at just 14 years old.
Pat was a gifted athlete who excelled on the football field. He was a three year letterman starter at Okmulgee High School and named captain of the team his senior year. Under his leadership the Okmulgee Bulldogs were the 1969 runner up state champions, class AA. That same year, the Daily Oklahoman and the Tulsa World named Pat First Team All State and he started and led his team to victory in the annual
May 26, 1950 – February 11, 2025
all state game at Skelly Stadium in Tulsa.
Pat’s leadership was not limited to the football field; he also served as student council president and his charm and easy smile earned him the title of prom king. After graduating high school, Pat studied business at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. While at OSU, he served the Sigma Nu fraternity as treasurer and commander. In 1971, he married Debbie Griffin from Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Pat’s strong work ethic kept him busy working summers for his father’s construction company. Pat enjoyed working with hands and became a sought after carpenter by local homebuilders.
Pat and Debbie had one son, Jayson, and two daughters, Jayme and Jaclyn. A true outdoorsman, Pat spent time horseback riding, hunting and fishing with his brother, father,and many friends.
Patrick Jay Bell passed away in Deland, Fla. on February 11, 2025.
A graveside memorial service for Pat will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at Okmulgee Cemetery. Please meet at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in Okmulgee at 10 a.m. for procession to the cemetery. A lunch will be held at McClendon- Winters Life Celebration Center immediately after services conclude.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon- Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Pat’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
