ROCK — John Lewis Belcher “Jr.” 64, of Rock, WV died at his residence on Monday, November 22, 2010. 

John was born on December 31, 1945 in Thornhill, W.Va. to the late John L. and Naomi Gilbert Belcher.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend to everyone whose lives he touched.  He was loved dearly and was always known for his kind and giving spirit and he never met a stranger.  He was a dedicated coal miner with 30 years at Crane Creek and with Consol of Buchanan,  Va.  He enjoyed camping at Covey's Campground at Claytor Lake (his second home).  He also enjoyed riding his four wheeler, riding his big green tractor and feeding the deer and turkeys. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War.

In addition to his parents John was preceded in death by his father and mother in law, John and Jean Sylvester, his dear friend and brother, Ernie Belcher and his sister-in-law, Patty Sylvester Isaac.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 42 years, Anita Kaye Sylvester Belcher of the Home and his loving son Shane Belcher and wife Donna of Chesterfield, Va., three loving daughters Shellie Ingraham and Bernie Simpson of Rock, Stephanie Bailey and husband Wayne of Rock, and  Sarah Belcher of the home and his loving grandchildren Jada Belcher of Chesterfield, Hunter and Haley Ingraham of Rock and Savanna and Ayden Bailey of Rock. 

He is also survived by his brothers:  Wayne and wife Judy of Chesterfield, Va., Roger and wife Joyce of Rock, Bobby and wife Bonnie of Bluefield and his sisters:  Darlene and husband Ernest of Richmond, Va. and Geraldine and husband Bob Owens of Maryland and Brother and Sister In-Laws:  Carole Hanson and Richard Day of Roanoke, Johnny and Ava Sylvester of Princeton, Rita and Glenn Ratliff of Athens, Michael and Sabine Sylvester of Newburg, OR, and Mitchell Sylvester of Roanoke, Va.

Friends and family may call at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. David Lusk and Rev. Eddie Mabe. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell, WV where friends and family will serve as pallbearers.  Military graveside service will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Counsel and West Virginia Honor Guard.  

Online condolences may be sent to the Belcher family at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Belcher Family.