Mr. John F. Belcher

FORT MEADE - Mr. John F. Belcher, 76, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 in Bartow, FL. Mr. Belcher was born October 25, 1946 in Fort Meade, FL, where he remained a lifelong resident. He was retired after a 20 year tenure from the United States Coast Guard as a Master Chief Store Keeper, and then went on to retire from the United States Postal Service, where he was a rural mail carrier in the Bartow area. Mr. Belcher was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Meade, an avid golfer, and a member of the Chief Petty Officers Assoc. In 1998, while working with the postal service, Mr. Belcher was commended by the Bartow Fire Dept. and received a commendation from the Bartow Postmaster for his heroic work in helping to save a child's life following an automobile collision that happened in front of Mr. Belcher's mail truck while on his route. Mr. Belcher was also a graduate of Fort Meade High School, Class of 1964.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Allen Belcher and Margaret Ella Fair Helms Belcher; his sisters, Margaret Louise Belcher and Elsie Onetta Grimes.

Mr. Belcher is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mrs. Katherine Black Belcher, Fort Meade, FL; sons, Joe Luther, Semi Valley, CA, Tom Luther, Sherman Oaks, CA; Butch Willoughby, Long Beach, CA; Jacob Belcher, Fort Meade, FL, and Matthew Belcher, Lakeland, FL; brother, Allen Edwin Belcher, Eugene, OR; and his dog companions, Henry and Moxxi.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church, 135 E. Broadway, Fort Meade, FL. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Bill Baldwin officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make donations in Mr. Belcher's name to the ASPCA by going online to www.https://secure.aspca.org , or by mail locally to the SPCA, 5850 Brannen Rd., South, Lakeland, FL 33813.

Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL 863-285-8171