Merle "Red" E. Belton

Merle "Red" E. Belton
88, died at 12:52 PM on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, Ohio.

Merle was born on August 8, 1927, in Barberton, Ohio, to the late Porter Belton and Myrtle (Nolan ) Belton.

Merle married Marjorie Braun October 8, 1949. She preceded him in death on July 1, 2008. He was a member of Shawnee United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of New Bremen High School and attended Findlay College. Merle had worked in sales for Lima Distributors and was a co-owner of M & M Belton Company.

He was a Korean War Navy Veteran and a member of Buckeye Boosters, Lima Exchange Club, Lima Optimist Club, Elks B.P.O.E. # 54, American Legion, VFW 1275, and an Elmview Pub regular. He was also a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He played semi-pro baseball in St. Mary's and officiated high school basketball for 35 years. He attended (OHSAA) basketball tournaments for over 50 years and was a huge Shawnee athletic fan. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by three sons, Scott (Carol) Belton, of Columbus, OH, David (Kathy) Belton, of Lima, OH, and Jay (Jeannine) Belton, of Elida, OH, a daughter, Beth Belton, of Vienna VA; twelve grandchildren Robin (Steve) Gerhart. Becky (Kelly) Phatz, Debbie Roesky. Jason (Nikki Niese) Belton, Kimberly (Jason) Keller, Lauren Strauss, Emily Strauss, Lindsay Wells, Craig Hunt, Travis (Jalie) Bok, Tiffany (Brady) Emmons, Andy Bok and eighteen great grandchildren, Lillia, Stephen Jr., Landon, Jordan, Jillian, Rachel, Brady, Madison, Cartin, Haylee, Erin, Delaney, Mycalah, Anika, Megan, Savannah, Cameron; and a brother-in-law Ralph (Barbara) Braun of Reynoldsburg, OH.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Preston, Wayne and Jan Belton.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at church.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Shawnee United Methodist Church, 2600 Zurmehly Rd. Rev. Charlotte Hefner will officiate.

Interment will be in Shawnee Cemetery, Lima, Ohio with military graveside honors conducted by VFW Post 1275.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, 660 Ackerman Rd. 6th Floor, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com

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