John Elwin Worrel, Sr.

John Elwin Worrel, Sr., died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the evening of August 6, 2023, at the age of 95. Beloved husband of the late Margaret Virginia Rive’ Worrel. 

He is survived by his four children, Ginger W. Adams of Bay St. Louis, MS, John E. Worrel, Jr. (Erin) of Mandeville, LA, Susan W. Meyers (Cullen) of Covington, LA, and Elizabeth W. Bell (John) of Maitland, FL; his eleven grandchildren, Jennifer Adams Falgout (Mike), Margaret Adams, Elizabeth Adams Tebo (Cameron), John E. Worrel III, Andrew Worrel (Becca), Shannon Worrel Meyer (Chris), Christian Worrel, Emily Meyers, Katherine Bell Moseley (Jackson), Mary Elizabeth Bell, and Elise Bell; five great grandchildren, Cameron, Cecilia, Abigail, Annie and Lily. John was the son of the late Edward James Worrel and Alva Salathe Worrel. 

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Edward Worrel (Gladys), Grace Gouaze’ (Edmond), Harold Worrel (Estelle), Ronald Worrel (Lucette), Calvin Worrel, and Alva Worrel. 

He is additionally survived by his sister-in-law Cecilia, and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved and adored. John was born and lived most of his life in New Orleans and spent his summers in Bay St. Louis, MS. He graduated from Alcee Fortier High School. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 and served overseas in Japan. After serving his country, he was honorably discharged, and then graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He married his wife, Virginia, in 1950 and celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing in 2016. John was co-owner and president of Rive’ Pipe Organ Co., Inc. where he was in business for over 40 years. He was a charter member of Bay Waveland Yacht Club, where he and Virginia cherished spending time with lifelong friends and family. He also enjoyed sailing in the “Fish Class” in the early years and continued his love of the Bay and boating throughout his life. John and Virginia moved to Bay St. Louis in 2003 to live full time and loved living their life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and lived life to the fullest. John enjoyed many fishing excursions to the Mississippi Sound and the Louisiana marsh with his children, grandchildren and fishing buddies. His greatest passion in life was his family and enjoyed all family gatherings. He will be dearly missed. 

The family wishes to extend special gratitude to Rosa, Jerry from Home Instead, Missy from Vital Caring Group, the staff of Avanti Senior Living, Lakeside Hospice and Passages Hospice for their devoted care and guidance throughout the last months of his life. 

Visitation will be on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Lake Lawn Cemetery in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Augustine Seminary or St. Rose de Lima, BSL. 

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Elwin Worrel, Sr.