Henry "Clay" Belcher

Henry Clay Belcher, Jr., 94, of Atlantic, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at Caring Acres Nursing & Rehab in Anita.

Henry Clay Belcher was born on October 18, 1919, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the son of Henry Clay and Manty (Deel) Belcher. He worked on the family farm until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1941, stationed in San Diego. He fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, and was injured, spending many months in the hospital. Clay proudly served his country, and was interviewed several times about his experiences.

On October 30, 1943, he married Betty Preston in a chapel in Old Town San Diego. After the war was over, they moved to Atlantic, where Betty was from. To this union, two children were born, Pam and Doug. Clay and Betty enjoyed traveling with friends. Betty passed away on November 16, 2002.

On September 15, 2006, he married Leanne Marr in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Together they enjoyed sitting on the porch watching nature, especially the birds and squirrels.

Clay retired from a lifetime career in the auto parts business in 1983. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, and later in life took great enjoyment in spending time with his grandchildren. During his recent stay in the hospital he was proud to have met and shaken hands with Governor Terry Branstad.

Clay is survived by his wife, Leanne; daughter, Pam (Chuck) Mills of Iowa City, IA; son, Doug (Marcia) Belcher of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Stacy (Tim) Goody of Williamsburg, IA, Chad (Brittney) Crabtree of Iowa City, IA, Brady Belcher of Des Moines, IA, and Kyle (Dena) Belcher of Iowa City, IA; great-grandchildren, Addison and Caden Goody and Vincent and Lucy Belcher; and niece, Norma Hackney of Dibble, Oklahoma.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; four sisters; and a brother.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 2, 2014, at First Assembly of God in Atlantic, with Pastor Guy Fisher officiating. Following the service refreshments will be served.

A private family burial, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held at the Atlantic Cemetery.

Open visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at Roland Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God.

Roland Funeral Service of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for Clay's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Henry Clay Belcher, Jr.

BORN
October 18, 1919
Bowling Green, Kentucky

ENTERED INTO REST
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
At the age of
94 years, 9 months & 12 days
Anita, Iowa

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Three o’clock P.M.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
First Assembly of God
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Guy Fisher

MUSICIAN
Sherry Davis

HYMN MEDLEY
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"Amazing Grace"
“How Great Thou Art”

CASKET BEARERS
Chad Crabtree
Tim Goody
Kyle Belcher
Brady Belcher
Shawn Petersen
Nathan Marr

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Hal Simonton
Bob Just

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery
Atlantic, Iowa

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard
Atlantic, Iowa

Clay’s family invites friends & relatives to join them
for refreshments immediately following the Celebration of Life.

Memorials may be made to the First Assembly of God.