Jack (John Leroy) Sell

      Jack (John Leroy) Sell, 95, of Port Arthur, Texas, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Oak Grove Nursing Home in Groves, Texas. Born on October 6, 1929, in Seward, Nebraska to the late Gertrude and Albert Sell. Jack lived in Seward until he was 8 years old when his family moved to Alamo, Texas. 

      Jack’s educational journey began at Alamo Grammar School in Alamo, Texas, followed by his graduation from Pharr San Juan Alamo High School in 1946. He pursued higher education at Pan American University in Edinberg, Texas, before graduating from Texas State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry. Furthering his studies, he received a Master of Arts degree in Cellular Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960.

      Jack was devoted to the field of education, teaching Chemistry and Physiology at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, from 1954 until his retirement in 1991. His teaching career was preceded by a brief tenure at Port Lavaca High School in 1952. After retirement, Jack continued to make an impact in his community by volunteering at the United Board of Missions in Port Arthur until 2023.

      In addition to his professional achievements, Jack proudly served in the United States Navy. He was a navy corpsman stationed at Naval Hospitals in San Diego, California, and Bremerton, Washington. He was recalled into service during the Korean War, where he contributed his skills for an additional two years at the US Naval Hospital in San Diego.

      An explorer at heart, Jack loved traveling all over the world, forming cherished memories along the way. His spirituality was also a cornerstone of his life; he was baptized on November 3, 1929, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alamo, Texas in 1944. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Arthur and Peace Lutheran Church in Groves since 1954.

      Jack is survived by his nieces and nephews, Roberta Winchester and her husband John of Fallbrook, California; William Sell and his wife Cynthia of Spring Branch, Texas; Patricia Sell-Ramsey and her husband Bobby of Spring Branch, Texas; as well as his great nieces and great nephews, Regina Winchester, John Winchester, Sarah Ramsey, and Robert Ramsey, and a great-great nephew, Landon Winchester.

      Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude (Neuman) Sell and Albert Sell, and his brother, Robert Sell.

      In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in honor of Jack (John Leroy) Sells to Peace Lutheran Church in Groves or to the United Board of Missions at: www.unitedmissions.org

      A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with at service to begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church, located at 5801 W. Jefferson St., Groves, Texas 77619. Interment will be held at 10:15 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Houston National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veteran Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77038.