Charles Michael “Mike” Bible, 53, of Bellefontaine passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, November 10, 2023, after a courageous, nearly 3-year battle with Glioblastoma.
He was born in Athens, Ohio, on June 6, 1970, to the late Charles Edward “Butch” Bible and Kathie (Doug) McMillen who survive in Bellefontaine.
On August 11, 1990, he married the former Lissa Hollopeter and she survives in Bellefontaine along with their 3 children: Kaileigh (Zach) Vermillion, Kenzie (Joey) Bechtel, and Quinton Bible all of Bellefontaine. He is also survived by his 3 grandchildren; Remington Bechtel, Adrian Vermillion, and Adelle Bechtel; his siblings: Stephanie (Mick) Young, Mark Bible, and Shelly (Dave) Geloneck; father and mother-in-law: John and Toni McPherson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Niki and Devin Ropp; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike lived in Bellefontaine for most of his life. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1988 where he excelled in wrestling, track and cross country and made many lifelong friends. After high school, he continued to Central Connecticut State University, where he was a member of the men’s wrestling team. Upon returning to Bellefontaine to raise his family, he began working at AGC Automotive, where he worked for many years and made many friends before ultimately finding his place as assistant director of Program Management at Fuyao Glass America, in Moraine where he worked for several years prior to his passing and once again gained many co-workers who became true friends.
One of Mike’s passions in life was wrestling. He coached for Bellefontaine for decades whether it was for the youth wrestling program, middle school program, as an assistant coach for the high school under head coach Jim MacDonald, or as head coach of the high school wrestling team. He has offered guidance and mentored many young men and truly earned the title of Coach Bible.
His true passion in life was being a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, son-in-law, and brother-in-law. He worked very hard and was successful in providing an amazing life for this family, for which they will forever be grateful. Even though he often was busy working and coaching, he always found time and energy to help coach his kid’s youth sports, attend all of their many school activities, cook his family Sunday breakfast or a yummy meal or just let his wife and kids know they were loved and cared for. He was in turn loved and adored by his wife, Lissa of 33 years and his children who will never let their memories of him fade. Mike had been blessed with 3 grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “Pops” in the last 5 years of his life. Pops was always ready to cuddle, bake, read or make mischief with his grandkids and the kids always looked forward to seeing and playing with Pops.
Mike tenaciously fought through his cancer battle over these last years and although he is no longer with us, we truly believe Mike won his final match. Mike and his family felt the love of all of his friends, former wrestlers and co-workers, during his fight and cannot thank everyone enough for their love and support.
Pastor Terry Robinson will officiate a funeral service at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made in Mike’s memory to The Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc. 1100 Peninsula Blvd., Hewlett, NY 11557 or to the Bellefontaine High School Athletic Department, 555 E. Lake Ave. Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Bible family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.