Daniel Allen Bell

Daniel Allen Bell, Jr. of Bedford Township went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the age of 44 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by a large group of loving family and friends.

Dan was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on August 25, 1979. He was born to Connie L. (Eishen) Crusciel, she raised Dan alongside Randall “Randy” E. Crusciel, who raised and loved Dan as one of his own sons.

Dan married the love of his life, Angela M. Babas, on June 12, 2004, at First Wesleyan Church (now The Woodlands Church) in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Dan graduated from Harper Creek High School with the class of 1997. During high school, he also attended the Calhoun County Vocational Education Center for electrical trades. He continued his electrical education through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Battle Creek Local 445 apprenticeship program, earning his Journeyman Electrician Certificate. Subsequently, he obtained the State of Michigan Master Electrician License and State of Michigan Electrical Contractor’s License, including a certificate for medium voltage distribution. Additionally, he completed credits at Michigan State University in the Electrical Technology program.

In 2006, Dan was hired at Michigan State University, and by 2015, he had been promoted to Electrical Utilities Supervisor in MSU’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Department. At the time of his passing, he had accumulated more than 20 years of progressive experience in supervision, electrical maintenance, metro underground splicing and construction. He was also a proud member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.

Despite facing a life-threatening illness, Dan remained resilient to the end. When a promotion opportunity recently arose for the Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Service Manager IV position in MSU’s Electrical Services Department, he applied without hesitation. Although he was awarded the new position, unfortunately, he passed away before he could assume his new management role.

Whenever Dan set his sights on something, his persistence knew no bounds. He refused to yield until he had achieved his goal and attained his desired outcome. Honest, hardworking, and a perfectionist, he approached everything with meticulous precision. His work ethic was unwavering, and he was never one to sit idle.

Dan was candid, never one to sugarcoat his words. He spoke his mind with clarity and directness. However, beneath that straightforward exterior, those who knew Dan would quickly discover a big-hearted teddy bear. To know Dan was to both love and respect him.

Dan’s favorite pastime was spending as much time as possible up north at his lake cottage, where he warmly welcomed family and friends to enjoy the serenity and peace that the cottage provided for him, Angela, and the boys. Dan had a deep love for the outdoors, whether it involved fishing, hunting, or simply spending quality time with his family. Above all else, Dan’s world revolved around his family; he was an exceptional husband, father, provider, and friend to both family and friends. A true family man, Dan took great joy in organizing numerous vacations to destinations such as Disney, Florida, Gulf Shores, Nashville, and Colorado, among others. These family vacations almost always included their close friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Angela M. (Babas) Bell; his sons, Landon Allen Bell and Levi Russell Bell; his parents, Randy E. and Connie L. Crusciel; his brothers, Derek T. Bell, Tray R. (Phuong) Crusciel, and Jesse L. Crusciel. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Debra W. Babas; father-in-law, Donald P. (Dora) Babas; brother-in-law, Donald R. (Kelly) Babas; uncles, Matthew W. (Rhonda) Eishen, Chris L. (Missie) Jones, and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, close family friends, Jimmy and Michelle Bennett and children, and Jack and Felicia Sidney and children, who have been steadfast in their support of Dan and his family throughout this incredibly difficult battle.

Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. Visitation will be on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Woodland church with a memorial service to follow at 12:00p.m. In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be directed towards the college fund for Landon and Levi Bell. Personal messages to the family may be placed at www.bachmanhebble.com.