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C. Michael Bell, 71, of Bellefontaine, passed away Friday, Sept. 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. He also was preceded him in death by his brother, Ray Bell Jr.; and brother-in-law, Jim Chick.
On June 24, 1967, in Lakeview, he married the former Karen Chick, and she survives. They recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.
Also surviving are his children, Kimberly A. (Kenny Day) Bell, of DeGraff, Heather Jo (Mat) Whims of Howard, Amy N. (Kyle) Van Horn of Bellefontaine and Justin Michael (Felipe Mota) Bell of Miami, Fla.; 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 received a bachelor of science degree in education in 1969 and a master’s degree in 1975 from The Ohio State University. He began his teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at Northeastern Elementary School, where he taught for nine years. He then served as principal of Pine Avenue Elementary and of Southeastern Elementary for nine years. He then served as the business manager for Bellefontaine City Schools and in 1995, he became the superintendent of Bellefontaine City Schools and served through 2004.
Mike’s entire career was dedicated to the success of Bellefontaine City Schools, where he took on roles at many levels for 31 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, coached girls’ 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 Directors. In 2003, Mike was given a proclamation declaring Dec. 13, 2003, as “Mike Bell Day” in observation of his dedication to BCS.
Mike loved to go fishing and hunting, and was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. His wife, family and grandkids meant the world to him. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Pastor Jeff Willetts officiates a funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1140 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine.
Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine. Burial will be in Huntsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the C. Michael Bell Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens Federal Savings & Loan, 110 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.edsfh.com.