Marcus B Belcher

On Friday, April 7, 2023, Marcus Berwyn Belcher, of Rowlett, Texas, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 97. He was born on April 5, 1926, in Chandler, Texas.

He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Cleveland during World War II and was honorably discharged as a fireman first class. He remained involved as a veteran throughout his life, attending annual reunions with his shipmates. Throughout his career as a pilot, he served in various capacities as a civilian flight instructor, an instructor for the US Air Force, and a charter pilot, and his last work in aviation was as a General Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA. His favorite part of being with the FAA was flying Learjets.

Marcus was an RV enthusiast who traveled across the United States, including a trek to Alaska. He particularly loved visiting Big Bend and traveled there many times over the years. He was an avid target shooter who also enjoyed hunting and visiting the ranch. A certified clockmaker, he collected, rebuilt, and repaired antique clocks, both as a hobby and later in life as a business.

Marcus was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Mae and Emory McEwin Belcher, and wife Dorothy Louise Crook Belcher. He is survived by his wife Nelda Gaines Belcher, his children, and their families, Marcus S. (Candice) Belcher, Sandra K. Belcher Bramlett, Rhonda Gaines (Denny) Henson, and Dave Gaines. Marcus is also survived by eight grandchildren, their spouses, and seven great-grandchildren: Cathy Belcher (Eric) Lenz, Tony (Sayata) Belcher, Wendy Bramlett, Courtney Henson (Grady) Lopez, Erin Henson Galaviz, Brittney Gaines, Scott Gaines, Branden Gaines, Sophia, Jack, and Isabella Lenz, Maddie Belcher, Willow, and Piper Lopez, and Kenzie Galaviz.

Funeral services will be held at Sparkman Funeral Home located at 1029 South Greenville Avenue, Richardson, Texas 75081. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 11th, from 6 - 8 PM. The funeral service will be Wednesday, April 12th at 11 AM with a reception to follow. Burial will be Wednesday, April 12th, 3 PM, at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home at 12053 State Highway 64 West, Tyler, Texas 75704.