Jeffery Walt Belcher, 57 of Patoka went to his heavenly home at 4:40 am Saturday, November 28, 2020. He began his earthly journey on August 16, 1963 in Salem, IL. As we all grew up, Jeff became the proud poppa of two loving sons, Shane Belcher of Patoka and Bo Belcher of Vandalia. Jeff took great pride in caring for his children and did his best to raise them up right.
After a few twists and turns, the road led Jeff to his true soul mate and best friend, Debra “Maude” McDowell Belcher. They married on March 17, 1998 in Las Vegas, Nevada and have been laughing and loving ever since. With that union he gained two wonderful daughters, Kristi Koch and husband Jason, with grandsons Jacob, Kaleb and Krue of Dix and Kasei Kuhns and husband Jason and grandkids, Dylan and Laney of Irvington. Jeff is also survived by sweet mother-in-law, Joyce McDowell and sister-in-law Vickie Strange and spouse Mike of Springfield. He was loved and looked up to by nieces and nephews, Morgan, Tanner, Kiara, Jason and Derek. He was preceded in death by his fun loving father-in-law, Harry McDowell, and several special uncles, aunts and all his grandparents.
Jeff graduated from Patoka High School in 1981 and joined the United States Navy. After that, he returned to Illinois and worked a few different jobs before finding his passion as a carpenter. He worked the majority of his life in Union Local #634 where he served as President of the Union for many years before being stricken with Pulmonary Fibrosis and forced into an early retirement in 2019.
Jeff was super smart and had an amazing sense of wit and humor. He liked to act tough on the exterior, but had a huge heart of gold under those broad shoulders. He would always have a kind word and a helping hand for anyone in need. He was a Christian who gave his life to God as a teenager. Jeff was happiest spending time with his family and close friends. He loved throwing bags, golfing, hunting, fishing, playing cards and games and gardening. He was a heck of an athlete and loved to compete. Most say that he could hit that softball almost as far as his Daddy. Jeff was a longtime member of the American Legion 0543. Most of all he loved making others smile and will always be thought of and remembered for doing so. His loss leaves a huge hole that no one or nothing can ever fill.
Services will be held at Day Macz Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 2nd with open visitation from 11am to 1pm. Private funeral services will be held for family and closest friends. Interment will follow at Pratt Cemetery, Patoka. Memorials can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and can be received at the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.maczfuneralhomes.com. At the family’s request, if you are attending services please wear a mask.
His beautiful Momma Linda survives in Port Charlotte, FL. He was the mischievous little brother to big sis Nita Belcher Pitts and husband Steve of Salem, the big brother, best buddy and partner in crime to Greg Belcher and wife Bambi of Vernon, and big brother and protector to his baby sis Kristy Jordan and husband Scott of Port Charlotte, FL.
He was the second-born child of Walt and Linda Belcher. His father, Walt was waiting to greet him in Heaven.
