Thomas S. “Tom” Bell
Thomas S. “Tom” Bell, 83, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. Tom was born in Fort Worth, Texas and grew up in Beaumont, Texas, a place he always considered home.
Tom attended San Marcos Military Academy. He graduated from Lamar University and then moved to Los Angeles to attend Art Center College of Design. After graduating, with honors, he began his career as Graphic Art Director at Leo Burnett Advertising in Chicago.
After enduring the harsh winters of Chicago, Tom returned to the warmth and familiarity of his beloved hometown of Beaumont. There he continued to work in advertising as Creative Director at Vance Matthews Advertising before founding his own agency Bell and Peyton Advertising.
Tom was a gifted artist who excelled in watercolor paintings. He created many beautiful dog portraits for his friends and family over the years, sharing his talent and bringing joy to those around him.
Tom was also very active in many civic organizations and took pride in contributing to this community. He was a state board member for 40 years for the Coastal Conservation Association.
After retiring from the world of advertising, Tom’s next chapter was as founder and longtime director of Beaumont Main Street. He created Dogtoberfest which has been a popular and fun event for the past 16 years.
Tom spent three decades championing the revitalization of our historic heart of downtown Beaumont.
Some of Tom’s favorite memories were times spent at Lake Rayburn and then later Lake Toxaway in North Carolina with family and friends.
Tom’s most treasured moments were spent at Jerry Reese’s ranch, The Silver R. He cherished hunting deer in the fall and turkeys in the spring with his lifelong friends, as well as the many spirited conversations and meaningful exchanges about life they shared.
Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn Wallace Bell; daughter, Angie Nicholson and her husband, Robert of McKinney and their son, David; son, T. S. Bell of Lumberton and his daughter, Deanna; son, Sterrett Bell and his wife, Christy of Asheville, North Carolina and their son, Sterrett; and daughter, Loring “Lolo” Barchus and her husband, Brandon, of Houston and their children, Holden, Major, and Maisy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Major and Phoebe Bell, and his brother, Richard Bell.
Tom’s exuberant personality and passion for life touched all who knew him. An eternal optimist, he will be remembered for his creativity, his warmth, and the love he so freely gave to his family and community.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Mr. Bell may be made to Beaumont Main Street, 505 Orleans, Suite 103, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or CCA Texas, 6919 Portwest Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77024 or CCA Texas.
A memorial service for Mr. Bell will be held at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Memorial Service
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
- 1350, N 23rd St, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- March 21, 2026
- 2:00 pm
Tom will be missed and his contribution to the betterment of Beaumont will be hard to replace.
Very talented individual and always enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Tom. First class talented individual that we were pleased to call him a friend.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sorry we were unable to attend the funeral.
T.S.- My heart hurts for you, and for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Bell and your brothers and sisters. Mr Bells unbelievably amazing life’s work will impact Bmt is legendary and his legacy will live on for many years to come. He was a amazing person.
Did so many commercials for you both at Vance and your own agency. Most perfect àd man ever to work with I think. I missed seeing you in the last u years but am so thankful for our friendship. Rest in peace my good friend.
Marilyn & family – Jeff & I are so very very sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. We have always thought the world of him – from my fun post college days as his artist/art director at Tom Bell & Associates Advertising to supporting & loving his great Dogtober Fest days. Always have loved his sense of humor and outlook on life. Tom will be so missed.
Sherrie & Jeff
Though I’d met Tom only a few short years ago, he left a deep and lasting impression. His kindness, talent and love for all things Beaumont made me feel blessed to have met him and wish I’d known him for much longer. I can only imagine the loss to all family and friends. Thanks for everything Tom.
Marilyn I am very sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family. Tom was a nice guy. He was nice enough to talk to our son about advertising. I enjoyed seeing you and Tom at church when we went to the same church.
Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. I have heard so many wonderful things about him. Hugs and prayers as you transition to this new phase of life. I know it is difficult.
Rosemary Mathis
TS. So very sorry for the loss of your Dad. I never met him, but know that you loved him dearly.
May the robe of Jesus cover you and your family in grace. With love and prayers…Gigi
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Bells passing. Enjoyed the time I was able to spend around him on the Golden Triangle CCA board. Will be praying for you all.
Marilyn ….thinking of you during this difficult time….I have fond memories of your husband…..I did my internship at his advertising agency. I miss our teaching days together!! Praying for you and your family. Love you,
Robyn Kocot
Tom was my closest childhood friend and neighbor. We played a lot of hiding seek in our neighborhood and caught a lot of of lightning bugs and climbed lots it trees . Life was free and fun!! We had a
Good group of friends. Tom was a like twin brother to me! He was loved by everyone! He will be missed by his family.
What a great guy. May he rest in Peace.
The AGC of Southeast Texas sends our thoughts and prayers not only from our staff, but on behalf of our board of directors. May all the great memories comfort Mr. Bell’s family and friends in the hard days ahead.
Tom was my first boss in the early 80’s at Bell & Peyton. I learned from the best! He was a wonderful person and made a difference in our community. He will be missed.
Praying for you Marilyn and your family. Tom was a wonderful friend and family man. He was all about the community and we will miss him dearly.
Marilyn, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Much love,
Randy and Charlotte
Hugs and prayers to Marilyn and family. Tom and I had good times and many laughs over many years. RIP my good friend
Tom Bell was a dedicated volunteer public servant who loved his city and always worked cheerfully to make it a better place. He set a high-bar example for the rest of us.
RIP, Tom.
I hope someone — or several someones — picks up your very long mantle of optimism and possibility.
he was an outstanding man, and friend. i truly enjoyed every conversation we had when he visited me at white blue print. he will be missed by so many people.. he made a difference,,, he made the city better
T. S. – We are so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. Please convey our deepest sympathy to the rest of your family. Tom was a good friend to me for a very long time and actually designed my company’s logo. Hoyt and I knew him to be a kind, funny, generous man who loved our city and did his best to make Main Street as great as possible. Condolences sent with love – Paula