Donald Edward Belcher, 78, of Fayette, Missouri peacefully passed away in the early hours of June 29, 2016 at his farm.  Mr. Belcher was a well known businessman in Fayette and Howard County and had been involved in several civic and charitable organizations locally.  He and his wife Jodi operated Don’s Auto Parts from 1957 to 1992 and enjoyed visiting with area merchants and famers.  He loved the auto parts business as well as working part time selling cars at Belcher Motor Company.  He was a cofounder of Belcher Auction and Realty, Inc. and auctioned several area estates as well as helped raise thousands of dollars for area charities including the RiteCare Children’s Communication  Clinic at MU.  He also enjoyed working at Carr-Yager Funeral Home assisting with services and visitations for the last several years.

He was an avid supporter of education and always encouraged his family and young people to continue to pursue both college degrees as well as vocational training.  In addition, he was a proud supporter of the Moberly FFA and attended many events that were sponsored by this prominent youth group. 

He was a member of Fayette-Howard Lodge #4, AF and AM, having been initiated an Entered Apprentice on March 19, 1963, passed to Fellowcraft on April 16, 1963 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 21, 1963.  He served as Worshipful Master in 1973 and served as Lodge Treasurer from 2000 to 2012.  He received his fifty year pin on April 25, 2013.  He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason as well as a prior member of Ararat Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.   

In addition, he and his wife were long time members of Fayette First Baptist Church and attended church regularly.  There he served as an usher for many years and was instrumental in the design and building of the First Baptist Church sanctuary. 

Mr. Belcher loved spending time with his family, laughing and telling stories of his past experiences.     

Mr. Belcher was the son of Jesse and Lilly Belcher, born in Salisbury on August 28, 1937 and raised in the Forest Green area.  His brothers included James Belcher, Ralph Belcher, Harry Belcher and Bobby Belcher who preceded him in death.  He has one sister Marjorie Belcher Keller who survives him.

He married Mary Jo “Jodi” Bentley on June 28, 1958 in Keytesville, Missouri and they had celebrated their 58^th anniversary hours before his passing.   Don and Jodi enjoyed attending area events from fairs to music festivals and were avid dancers.

Mr. Belcher is survived by his wife, Jodi Belcher of the home; two children, Tamara Sue Belcher Hinds and husband, Kurt of Fayette, Mark and wife Michele Belcher of Fayette and grandchildren Stephanie Hinds of Texas, D.J. and Aura Hinds of Columbia, Mary Belcher and fiancée  Leif Dezner of Fayette and Ben Sears of Moberly. 

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 1, 2016 at Carr-Yager Funeral Home in Fayette.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service and will conclude with a Masonic Service prior to the funeral service.

Interment will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Fayette First Baptist Church.

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