William Franklin “Frank” Belcher, 73, of Belcher Mountain near Welch, passed away Saturday,
February 29, 2020, at the Beckley Veteran’s Medical Center in Beckley. Born August 2, 1946 in Welch, he was the son of the late Lillian Drucilla Belcher and William Owen Belcher.
Frank was a 1967 graduate of Welch High School and a graduate of the McDowell County Vocational Technical Center as a Certified Machinist. He was also a Sargent in the U.S. Army and a Vietnam Veteran. Frank worked at several coal mines and was a Police Officer for the Town of Kimball prior to becoming disabled. Frank was an Ordained Minister who served as Moderator in several local Old Regular Baptist Churches and he was a member of the Elkhorn Old Regular Baptist Church of Belcher Mountain for over 50 years.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by one son, Robert Franklin Belcher; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Rose and Tommy Dalton.
Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 49 years, Ruth G. Belcher of the home; one daughter, Joyce Barrett and husband Jeffery and one grandson, Ethan Barrett all of Belcher Mt.; two sisters, Mary Rose of Belcher Mountain-Welch, Wanda Dalton of Rocky Mount, VA; two brothers, Hersie Belcher and wife Judy of Belcher Mt., Clarence Belcher and wife Connie of Bluefield; one aunt, Alice Belcher of Welch; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 12:00 Noon from the Elkhorn Old Regular Baptist Church on Belcher Mt. with Elders Roger Walker, Johnny Caves, Gene Green, and Hersie Belcher officiating. Burial will follow at the Elkhorn Church Cemetery on Belcher Mt. with committal services by Elders Lonnie Mullins and Dennie Lee Mullins. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by the V.F.W. Post 1144 of Iaeger.
Friends may call at the church Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 PM.
Pallbearers will be James Rose, Brian Belcher, Curtis Baldwin, David Cepelnik, Greg Belcher, Andrew Belcher, John Belcher and Aiden Cepelnik. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Barrett, Donnie Walker, Kenny Belcher and Owen Cepelnik.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made to the Elkhorn Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 861, Welch, WV 248 01.
The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is assisting the Belcher family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com