Melvin A. Bell

Melvin A. Bell, age 83, and a resident of New Orleans and formerly of Biloxi, passed away March 5, 2015 in Metairie.
Mr. Bell was a Korean and Vietnam war veteran and retired from the U.S. Navy as a CUCM with the Seabees. He enjoyed sharing memories with pride, about his days as a Navy Seabee.
He loved to work in the yard, and prior to Katrina he had a home and beautiful yard on Seal Avenue in Biloxi.
Mr. Bell was preceded in death by his wife, Natalie T. Bell; his parents, Archie and Alice Bell; siblings: Lily, Amy, Zola, Cecil, Bob, And Merle; and his daughter, Lou Ann O'Bannon.
He is survived by his children: Richard Bell and his wife Josie, Cassandra Alexander and her husband Robert, Mary Ladnier King, Charles Bell and his wife Lourdes, and Frances G. Collins, and her husband Greg; grandchildren: Matthew Bell, Nicholas Alexander (Megan), Casie Alexander, Shannon Decoito, Daniel Decoito, Frank Decoito (Donna), Charlene Bell, Karen Bell, and Kenneth Bell, Robyn O. Kirby (Jeff); three great-grandchildren, Athan & Ronan Alexander and Nathan Kirby; his nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Pat Stewart, RN, for her kindness and care, and Dr. Frank Wilklow and his staff. .
Friends are invited to visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. The graveside service, with full military honors, is 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery. The procession will depart the funeral home at 12:10 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children Hospital (www.stjude.org), Humane Society (www.humanela.org ), or to a charity of your choice.
Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com