John Russell Belcher

John Russell Belcher, age 73, of Bellbrook, passed away on September 5, 2024. He was born in Wharton, West Virginia, on October 16, 1950. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

John is survived by wife, Brenda Kay Belcher; his step-children, Robert (Alisa) Stringer, Sam Stringer and Kari (Jeremy) Howard; step-grandsons, Elijah and Lucas Howard; his two dogs, ZuZu and KoKo; and many close personal friends.

He retired from the City of Fairborn and then later from Sugarcreek Township Fire Departments. John was also a Fire Fighting Instructor at Sinclair College. In his free time, he was a very talented woodworker and also enjoyed working on his property, where he was known for raising blackberries. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Following with John's wishes, there will be no services held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati, PO Box 1602, Miamisburg, Ohio, 45343.

To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.

"I’m Free...

 Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.

 I’m following the path God laid for me.

 I took his hand when I heard him call.

 I turned my back and left it all.

 I could not stay another day.

 To laugh, to love, to work or play. 

 Tasks left undone must stay that way. 

 I found that peace at close of day.

 If my parting has left a void, 

 then fill it with remembered joy.

 A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

 ah yes these things I too will miss.

 Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

 I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. 

 My life has been full, I’ve savored much. 

 Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. 

 Perhaps my time seemed all too brief 

 don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. 

 Lift up your hearts and share with me. 

 God wanted me now; He set me free."