David F. Bellan

"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." – Matthew 7:24

For David F. Bellan, those words were more than scripture - they were a blueprint for his life. Dave quite literally built houses, air bases, churches, and communities, but more importantly, he built his life on the solid foundation of faith, service, family, and integrity.

David passed away on March 4, 2026, at Primrose Retirement Community.

He was born August 15, 1937, in Cleveland to John Bellan and Elizabeth (Schroeder) Bellan. A graduate of Olmsted Falls High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Farm Management from Ohio University in 1959. Continuing his education while faithfully serving his country, he received a degree in Civil Engineering from University of Pittsburgh in 1964 and later earned his Master's degree from University of Texas in 1970 - accomplishments achieved while serving in the United States Air Force.

Dave devoted 20 years to military service, much of it stationed throughout the U.S., Germany, and Vietnam. As a Civil Engineer, he was responsible for building seven Air Force bases and was honored as Construction Advisor Chief Engineer by the Vietnamese Air Force. His distinguished career culminated in his retirement in 1979 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

On June 11, 1961, he married the love of his life, Karen Lee Thompson. Together they shared 55 beautiful years of marriage before her passing on January 20, 2016. Their life together was marked by devotion, adventure, and partnership - whether traveling internationally, enjoying cruises, or square dancing. While stationed in West Germany, Dave served as Vice President of the Wiesbaden Dancing Group, and it was there that their daughter was born.

Faith was the cornerstone of Dave's life. A devoted member of Three Crosses: A United Methodist Fellowship, at various times he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Building Committee member, Trustee, choir member, and Lay Witness on mission trips - including a particularly meaningful mission to Haiti.

His commitment to community was equally strong. Dave was an active member and past president and treasurer of the Butler Lions Club. He was involved with the Home Builders Association and the Business & Industry Association of North Central Ohio, served on the Board of Directors of the Butler Clear Fork Adult Center, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. He was instrumental in a remarkable Habitat project that built 100 homes in Texas and Ohio in just one week - a testament to both his leadership and heart for service.

A lifelong builder, Dave constructed several homes featured in local Parade of Homes events, including two innovative underground homes - one complete with an indoor swimming pool. His talents extended beyond large-scale projects; he loved woodworking, farming, gardening, and mentoring young people as a Boy Scout leader.

In his youth, Dave was active in 4-H and was proudly named King of the Cuyahoga County Fair. During college, he was a member of the Delta Epsilon fraternity. Throughout his life, he was known as funny, kind, detail-oriented, organized, humble, yet quietly proud of his accomplishments. Above all, he was a devoted believer in Christ who sought to live out his faith daily.

But perhaps his greatest joy was his family - especially his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Like the wise builder in scripture, Dave built well. He built with purpose. He built with strength. And because his life was founded upon the Rock, his legacy will stand firm for generations to come.

He is survived by his daughter Susan Bellan of Powell; daughter-in-law Kim and Lloyd Dumond of Medina, NY; eleven grandchildren Briana (Nathaniel), Bryce, MiKayla (David), William, Kyson, DaRon, Porter, Elizabeth, EmmaLee, Austin, Karina; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Lois Bellan, sisters and brothers-in-law Catherine and Dr. Eugene Arthur, and Ruth and Bryan McClelland, a brother-in-law Scott Thompson; great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, and wife Karen, he was preceded in death by a son Brian Bellan, sister Marian Bryant, sister-in-law Sunny Thompson.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Alyse Oliver for her thoughtful care of David.

Friends may call Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10am to 12 pm at Three Crosses: A United Methodist Fellowship, Butler, where the funeral service will follow at 12 pm. Pastor Jeremy Barr will officiate and military honors, performed by the Richland Country Joint Veterans Burial Squad, will follow on the grounds of the church. Interment will be at a later date in Lakewood Cemetery in Lakewood, Ohio.

Memorial contributions in honor of David may be made to the David & Karen Bellan Scholarship Fund C/O the Clear Fork Valley Foundation. Please make checks payable to the Clear Fork Valley Foundation.

To leave a message of support or preview David's tribute video, please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com