Clyde Francis Bel Jr.

Clyde Francis Bel Jr., 82, of New Orleans, LA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on September 6, 2014. "Jimmy" was the son of the late Clyde F. Bel Sr. and the late Carmelita Killelea Bel. He is survived by his sister Doris Bel-Buchert. He was married to Meryl Ann Wiedemann (deceased) and had 5 Children, Lynn Bel Tracey (deceased), Paul Bel, Patricia Bel, Ph.D. (husband, Tom Ponthieux), Mark Bel (wife, Karen Bel, J.D.), and Catherine Bel, who reside in the New Orleans area. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Meryl Tracey Andry, Meghan Tracey Eckhardt, Adam Tracey and Juliet Bel, and seven great-grandchildren. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1951 and studied at LSU in Baton Rouge. Part of a political legacy in the state, Clyde represented New Orleans District 90 in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1964 to 1980, and he co-authored bills and pioneered legislation related to geopressured geothermal energy and air pollution long before their time. From 1953 until his passing, he also ran a "shady business", C. Bel for Awnings, which his father started in 1926. Clyde spent much of his life in Pass Christian, MS, boating, fishing, crabbing and watching God "paint his beautiful sunsets" in the evenings. We'll never forget his crooked smile, sparkling blue eyes, amazing mind and his silly jokes. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Private services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family via Patty@Belawnings.com. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to his favorite charity, ALS Assn, LA MS chapter, www.alsalams.org (225) 343-9880, extension 1). Arrangements handled by Neptune Society of New Orleans, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA, (504) 464-3095.