Date of Death: August 6, 2023
Service Details
A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Riviera Theatre in downtown Three Rivers. From 4:00-6:30 p.m. there will be dinner/drinks/visitation; at 6:30 p.m. there will be a service and sharing of memories. In memory of a legendary summer of 1999 spent with Wiley in which all summer he counted down to the release of the movie “Lake Placid,” we will be showing it on the big screen immediately following the service.
Obituary Notice
David Robert Bell, better known to family and friends as “Wiley,” passed away at his home in Three Rivers on Sunday, August 6, 2023.
Born June 13, 1960 in Three Rivers, the son of Robert LeRoy and Doris (Mechling) Bell, Wiley grew up in Three Rivers and graduated alongside the Class of 1978.
A painter by trade, Wiley owned his own business, Bell’s Southern Painting and Waterproofing, which he started after having moved to Fort Myers Beach, FL. Wiley operated the business for over 20 years and took great pride in his work. Wiley loved living in Florida, but in the late 1990s decided to move back to Michigan to be closer to his family and friends. In his later years, Wiley also worked for Waste Management and for American Axle & Manufacturing, both in Three Rivers.
A skilled fisherman, Wiley loved taking fishing trips and was known for always catching very big fish … much bigger fish than his brother-in-law John (despite the fact that very little photographic evidence of such occurrences exists). In addition, Wiley loved riding his four-wheeler, being in the outdoors, listening to blues music, spending time with his kitty, Blues (named for the music he loved), and enjoying a Jim Beam or Bloody Mary with friends and family. Most of all though, Wiley loved his family and friends unconditionally.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his parents, Robert (Carol) Bell and Doris Bell; sisters, Debra Bell and Diane (John) Bell-Norton; brother, D.J. (Sue) Bell; son, Joshua David Bell; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; special neighbors (Steve, Tammy, and Tim); and many many friends.
Wiley was preceded in death by his stepfather, William Zuzanek.
Additional Information
Donations in Wiley’s memory may be directed to the Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes are available at the Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Wiley my friend I haven’t seen you in along time but I will always remember you with that big smile and our hot tub joke we sure fooled a lot of people. Looking at the moon .
My friend lord knows I wouldn’t have made it in Michigan without u. Just want u to know that ol Tennessee will miss u and wish we could got u down here for one fishing trip. U are always gonna be missed
A life long friend who was simply the best, i could write a best selling book on the times we had together. Rest In Peace Big guy and thank you for being my friend. My sincere deepest condolences to the entire Bell family. He loved everyone of you
You will be so missed Wiley. I’m going to miss our favorite wave and great smile. Rest easy my friend and peace be with you 🙏🏻
Rest in peace Wiley. Gonna miss seeing you and hearing your jokes. You always kept us laughing. We sure are going to miss you at the blue box. Rest easy our friend.
Dear Bell Family: Praying for peace and comfort for his family and friends.
I worked with WIley for over 10 years. He always put a smile on my face….. Such a awesome person. I am going to miss you my friend.
You were always so funny and there to lend a hand. May your family find peace
Praying you are in a better place my favorite fishing buddy and coworker. Miss you, but I’ll be seeing you again one of these days.
Sending prayers of comfort and healing to the Bell family.
To all the Bell family and friends , so sorry to see this . Prayers to you all. Vicki & Fred Mericle
We are praying for the family.
Rest in peace our wonderfully funny Wiley. You will be missed by many.
Wiley, for the rest of my days I will always remember you. From working with you in the same room at AAM to passing you on my forklift and beeping my horn in time to your arm tugs. You had the ability to touch a person’s heart and make a home there. I will miss you.
DORIS AND FAMILY I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE IS AT PEASE NOW.