John Travis Bellah passed away peacefully after a brief illness, at Citizen’s Hospital, in Victoria Texas, on September 3rd, 2025, surrounded by his family. John was born on February 4th, 1945 in Houston, Texas. He was the oldest of three children born to Artist Reese and Bertie Inolua Bellah. The Bellah family lived in various parts of Texas during John’s childhood. When John was in 5th grade, the family settled in Port Lavaca, Texas. The family owned the Wagon Train restaurant and John worked there for many years while growing up. Every Saturday during high school, John worked for Marshall Lumber where he learned the art of construction. He graduated from Calhoun High School in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 9th, 1965 and was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas until he was transferred to the National Guard in Victoria Texas in 1969. He was honorably discharged on August 25th, 1971.
During his stint as a Marine, a lovely young lady named Helen Yanta waited patiently for his return. The two dated for six years and were married on July 23, 1967 at the St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City, Texas. They welcomed their son, Reese Wayne Bellah (#1 Son) on September 9,1973. John gained a daughter-in-law, Robin, on August 10th, 2002. His first granddaughter, Laynie Reese was born in April 2007. His favorite place to be, when she was at his house, was on the floor by the big window with her. In 2010, his grandson Austin Cullen was born. John was very proud of Austin’s musical abilities and talked about them often.
John’s love for cars led him to a 55 year career in auto sales. He worked for numerous dealerships over several years. In the late 1970s, John opened his own car lot, Bellah’s Cars and Trucks, The Walking Man’s Best Friend in Port Lavaca, TX. John always said, “There is a car made for every specific person.” He truly loved selling cars and enjoyed meeting customers, some he has had for generations. John also worked for Formosa Plastics from 1991-2011 in Marine Traffic.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Bellah. His son Reese Bellah (Robin) and grandchildren Laynie and Austin Bellah, his sister-in-law Luanne Bellah, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Artist Reese Bellah, his mother Bertie (Polly) Bellah, brother Wayne Bellah, sister Jeanette Clarkson, her husband Edward Clarkson and his nephew Cullen Artist Bellah.
The family would like to invite friends and family to help celebrate John’s life. There will be a visitation held at Richardson Colonial Funeral Home located at 123 Newlin St. Port Lavaca on Tuesday, September 9th from 5-7pm. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at 10am at Richardson Colonial Funeral Home with burial immediately following at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery in Port Lavaca.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.richardsoncolonial.com.
