William Alan Bell age 77, of Free Soil, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Munson Medical center in Traverse City, Michigan. He was born on March 3, 1949 in Bay City, Michigan, son of the late William Rae and Norma (Scears) Bell. Bill was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, having served two terms in Viet Nam, and was a decorated war veteran. He married Sally Ann Ward on May 28, 1988 in Fairgrove, Michigan. She preceded him in death on September 29, 2022.

He is survived by three daughters. Kathryn O'Connor, Alicia Ward, and Colleen O'Connor, six sons, Ian O'Connor, Harold O'Connor, Michael Ward, Alkus O'Connor, William O'Connor and Jessie O'Connor, two sisters and brother's in-law, Jan and Mike Holik of Caro, Michigan and Cathleen and Larry Prolocci of New York.

Private family burial services will be held.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is overseeing funeral arrangements.