More detail on this person: Colonel L. Fred Belcher US Army (Ret.) age 84 passed away peacefully in San Antonio Texas on Monday September 2 2013 after a brief illness. He was born October 29 1928 in Old Hickory Tennessee to Lillard and Audrey Belcher Fred spent his childhood in Tennessee Ohio Oklahoma and Texas. He graduated from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1950. Fred married the love of his life Genevieve (Jenny) Staudt in Orange Texas on May 1 1954. Fred entered the military in 1951. He had 34 duty stations with service in Korea and Vietnam during the war years and 25 moves including two tours in Germany before retiring in San Antonio in 1987. Fred earned many awards and citations for service including the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. His combat awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart and the Air Medal with 24 awards for over 240 combat medical evacuation missions. Upon retirement Fred was a faithful volunteer with the St. Pius X Catholic Church Arboreans and served as an Election Judge in Bexar County. Fred will be remembered for his deep abiding love of his wife his family this beautiful country his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and desserts. He had a lifelong interest in literature and published his own book of poetry A Soldier's Journey in 1998. The following is one of his family's favorite poems from his book: "Walking in GOD's country On the side of a rolling hill Grows Indian paintbrush And bluebonnets you can feel. The freshness and beauty Push the spirits along The rhythm of the color Paints an unforgettable song. A sight of optimism A flowing field of peace A longing for eternity Where all worries cease. Both head and heart are happy With fresh air flowers and Spring And the nearness of GOD An unending joy does bring. For GOD so loved the world That He gave His only Son And annually renews Earth's beauty To be shared by everyone." His memory will live on through Jenny his wife of 59 years; children Annette Bosselmann and son-in-law Scott Mark Alan and daughter-in-law Barbara Steve and Bruce and daughter-in-law Lisa; grandchildren Leigh Monica Shawn Rebecca Paul Cory Eric Emily Benjamin and Elena; brother Bill Belcher and sister-in-law Vannie (Jenny's sister) and numerous nieces nephews cousins and friends - all of whom enjoyed his ever present sense of humor. VISITATION 6:00 PM ROSARY 7:00 PM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12 2013 ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH 3907 HARRY WURZBACH RD. MASS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13 2013 10:30 AM ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. Causes close to his heart should you wish to make a memoriam include: The Arbor Day Foundation St Pius X School and The National Audubon Society.
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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024
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