Earl Belcher, Sr.
June 20, 1938 ~ May 10, 2021
Earl Belcher Sr, 82, died May 10, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. Born June 20, 1938 on Copper Creek in Rockcastle County, he was the son of the late David and Lou Vena (Wilmot) Belcher. Earl grew up in Crab Orchard and enlisted in the Navy right after high school. In 1967, he left the Navy and moved his new family to Bucks County, Pennsylvania where he began his career in injection molding (plastics). Earl answered the call of service yet again in 1974, enlisting in the Air Force Reserve and serving until 1992, capping a 33-year military career.
Earl and Jo Anne moved to Harrodsburg in 1997, where he worked at Hitachi until his retirement in 2002. His love of our country led him to join American Legion Post 46 in Boyle County where he served in various positions for over 16 years, including Post Commander. Earl volunteered at Danville Humane Society with two of his grandchildren, Nicholas and Lindsay, facilitating pet adoptions for many years. Earl was an active member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Danville. Father, brother, husband, grandfather, Patriot, Christian, pet lover; Earl was a wonderful role model who leaves behind a powerful legacy for the family he loved so dearly.
Earl is predeceased by his siblings; Donald Belcher, Beulah Mae Belcher Pearce, Gerald Edward Belcher, and Billy Wayne Belcher.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Jo Anne (Di Belardino) Belcher; his three children, Earl Belcher Jr of Manchester, New Hampshire, Missy Belcher (Chris) Floyd of Buena Vista, Virginia and David (April) Belcher of Junction City; seven grandchildren, Rachel Elizabeth Belcher, Ryann Nicole Belcher, Stephen David Smithgall, Andrew Christopher Floyd, Kayla Marie Belcher, Lindsay Nicole Belcher, and Nicholas Collin Belcher; three brothers, Jim (Leona) Belcher, Bobby (Marty) Belcher, and George Belcher; and three sisters, Roberta (Bob) Singleton, Virginia (Harold) Harness, and Mary Jane Belcher.
Memorial Mass will be held 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Ss. Peter & Paul in Danville. Father Anthony will be the presiding celebrant. Burial will be at Camp Nelson National Cemetery at 1:30pm. Visitation will be held prior to mass from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Ss. Peter and Paul. Memorial donations are suggested to https://www.lexingtonavenue.org/soups-on-us/. Please sign the guestbook or send a Hug from Home.
Visitation: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Ss. Peter and Paul, Danville, KY
Funeral Mass: 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Ss. Peter and Paul, Danville, KY
Burial: Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Nicholasville, KY
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My friendship with Earl goes back to our youth when we attended church together at what is now Hebron Lakeside Church. I have a deep affection for the Belcher family and join you all in celebrating a life well-lived. He has exemplified a life of loyalty and service to his country and I am certain the same is true to his family. Lea Shepherd
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to the family in the loss of Earl. Truly he loved his country and served it well; a true Patriot!!
Earl Belcher, Past Post 46 Commander, Finance Officer, and Adjutant: Thank you for your extensive contributions to the American Legion, Boyle Post 46, and our community! Post 46 exists today because of your dedication, and you are being sorely missed. Your friendship, mentorship, and loyal support will be remembered forever. You leave a very charming and loving family to carry on your vision and commitment to our community. Farewell fellow veteran as to you travel to the Post Everlasting!
At age 5 we moved across the road from the Belchers, Earl was already in the Navy at that time I believe, because I can remember him in his uniform. As an only child the Belcher kids were the closest thing I had to siblings. We had some nice visits when he worked for Lowes, he will be missed.
Sorry to hear about Earl\’s passing This family has always had a special place in the Wilmot family