C. Michael Bell, age 71, of Bellefontaine, Ohio passed away Friday, September 28, 2018 at Brookdale of Marysville surrounded by his family. Mike was born May 24, 1947 in Bellefontaine, to the late Ray Sr. and Mary Irene (Fout) Bell. Along with his parents, his brother Ray Bell Jr. and a brother-in-law, Jim Chick also preceded him in death.
On June 24, 1967, in Lakeview, Ohio he married Karen Chick and she survives. They recently celebrated their fifty first wedding anniversary. Mike is also survived by his children, Kimberly A. (Kenny Day) Bell, of DeGraff, Ohio, Heather Jo (Mat) Whims of Howard, Ohio, Amy N. (Kyle) Van Horn of Bellefontaine, and Justin Michael (Felipe Mota) Bell of Miami, Florida; grandchildren, Logan (Brittany) Whims, Griffin Whims, Crew Fullerton, and Keegan Van Horn; great grandchildren, Brady and Gage Whims; sisters, Barbara Lynn (John) Cummins, and Beverly Anne (Bob) Minnich; sisters-in-law, Janet Bell and Janet Chick; several nieces and nephews and a special dog, Ranger.
Mike graduated from Indian Lake High School in 1965. He then went on to receive his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education from The Ohio State University in 1969. Then in 1975, Mike received his Master’s Degree from The Ohio State University.
He began his teaching career as a fifth grade teacher at Northeastern Elementary where he taught for nine years. Next, he became the principal of Pine Avenue Elementary and Southeastern Elementary. After nine more years, he started as the business manager for Bellefontaine City Schools.
In 1995, Mike became the Superintendent of Bellefontaine City Schools and led the district through 2004. Mike’s entire career was dedicated to the success of Bellefontaine City Schools where he took on roles at many levels for thirty one years. Even after retirement, Mike continued his commitment to education by tutoring students around Logan County.
Mike was involved in many extracurricular activities outside of school. He spent his summers working for Bellefontaine Parks & Recreation. Mike coached girl’s softball, directed open gyms, and started the Top of Ohio Tumbling Team.
He was an Indian Lake Board of Education Member and a member of the 1998 Logan County Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s. In 2003, Mike was given a proclamation stating that December 13, 2003 as being “Mike Bell Day” in observation of his dedication to BCS. Mike loved to go fishing, hunting, and was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes.
His wife, family and grandkids meant the world to Mike. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Pastor Jeff Willetts will officiate the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Bellefontaine.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 3 to 7 P.M. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bellefontaine. Burial will be at the Huntsville Cemetery in Huntsville, Ohio. The funeral arrangements are in the care of the staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine.
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