William Beldon

WILLIAM W. BELDON, 87, of Huntington, passed away June 27, 2012, at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. Born on August 25, 1924, in Ashland, Ky., he was the son of James and Harriet Beldon. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Frances E. Beldon. William is survived by his daughter and spouse Sara and Martin Curtis of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; his daughter Rena K. Beldon of Huntington and his son and spouse William R. and Beverly Beldon of Huntington; his sister Betty Candy of El Cajon, Calif.; his brother George R. Beldon of Fayetteville, N.C.; and two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters. William graduated from Paintsville High School in 1941, and attended Berea College. He was a veteran of WWII, serving as a pharmacist mate third class in the U.S. Navy while stationed at Parris Island, S.C. He married Frances Evans at the conclusion of WWII and they began their life together in Huntington. He was a member of the Vinson Memorial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher until his death. He was also a life member of American Legion Post 16, as well as a Kentucky Colonel. William worked as a prosthetic dental technician for the Belco Dental Laboratory, and subsequently at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spring Valley. He retired in 1989. William was an avid golfer, gardener and a fan of Marshall University sports and the Cincinnati Reds. He was a lifelong blood donor through the American Red Cross, donating over 27 gallons. He actively served his community through the Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs, as well as Vinson High School Athletic Boosters. He was appointed to serve as a member of the Wayne County Board of Education. After his retirement he volunteered as a guide at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village. He also contributed to the work of the Westmoreland Neighborhood Association, chairing the Fire Service Committee. The family thanks the many neighbors, friends and caregivers who were so kind to William during his illness. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at the Reger Funeral Chapel, with Chaplin Pablo Gonzales officiating. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday until service time. Burial will follow at the Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland, Ky. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.