Donald Warren Bellis

Donald Warren Bellis, 87, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by steady work, deep faith, and generous service to others. Born October 15, 1938, in Newburgh, New York, Don was the son of Warren and Dorothy

(Peterson) Bellis. He was raised by his father and stepmother, Marion Bellis, alongside his siblings Kenneth Bellis, Carol Jean Bellis, step-sister Carol Ann Bellis, and half-brother Warren Bellis. He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1957, a member of National Honor Society. He went on to serve six years in the United States Air National Guard and completed a plumbing apprenticeship with his father. He also was certified in HVAC, learning skills that contributed to his lifelong work and service to others. At age 26, Don moved to Fullerton, California, to be near his brother Ken and continued his work as a plumber. Shortly after, he married Shirley Bellis on June 25, 1967. Together they built the Bellis Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Company. They celebrated 25 years of marriage before Shirley died in June, 1992. Don married Janet (Hefflinger) Churchward on May 22, 1993, in Palm Desert, California. Over the years, they made homes in Anaheim Hills, California; Surprise, Arizona; Columbia City, Indiana; and finally Noblesville, Indiana. Together, Don and Jan shared a heart for service, traveling the country in their RV to volunteer wherever help was needed. They contributed to Hurricane Katrina cleanup efforts and worked on numerous Habitat for Humanity builds, putting Don’s skills to work for people he often had just met. Don was an outdoorsman at heart. He spent countless hours hiking in the West, visiting national parks, hunting, and exploring the woods and deserts. An avid reader, he was especially drawn to historical non-fiction. Known as Mr. Fix-It, if something was broken, Don could figure out how to repair it. If not puttering in the yard or garage, Don could be found wandering the aisles of Menards, his home away from home. His family, friends and neighbors in Willow Lake will sorely miss his generous helping hand and abundance of wisdom. Don’s Christian faith was central to his life. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Noblesville, Indiana. He always had a song on his lips, usually a favorite hymn. He was devoted to prayer, lifting up family members by name each day—a quiet reflection of the faith that guided his life. Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister Carol Ann; and his first wife, Shirley. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his step-children Risa Krauter (Kurt), Bart Churchward, and Holly Hardman (Dave); grandchildren Casey Krauter (Lauren), Nicole Jontony (Dominic), Kelly Krauter, Kevin Krauter, Katie Krauter, Courtney Krauter, and Michael Krauter; Cash Churchward and Dutch Churchward; Katherine Mantock (Rob), Camille Hardman, Cierra McGriff (Corey), and Elizabeth Hardman; and 12 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Noblesville, Indiana. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 noon and a luncheon for family and friends afterward. Memorial contributions may be made to the Noblesville FPC Deacons’ Fund.