Mervin James Bell (“Bra Man), 85, died Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at his home.  He was born in Breaux Bridge, LA, October 14, 1932 and moved to Port Arthur, TX in early childhood.  He was employed at Gulf Port Shipbuilding Corp. for more than 30 years moving up from laborer to sandblaster to crane operator.  He, along with his immediate family were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Mervin is preceded in death by his parents Clarence & Agnes Bell; his sister Mary Bell Lewis and brother-in-law Shelvin Lewis, and wife, Reba Theresa Bell.

He leaves a surviving daughter Vickie Bell Broussard and son-in-law David Broussard, along with cousin’s, devoted friends and neighbors and a host of zydeco partners.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Gabriel Funeral Home Chapel with Time of Remembrance service beginning at 11 a.m.