Willie Ewing "Bill" Belcher was born in Lebanon, TN on March 25,1927 and departed his earthly life on February 21, 2026, one month shy of his 99th birthday. After a childhood spent in Lebanon and Old Hickory, TN, his family was transferred to Vinita, Oklahoma in 1942. At Vinita High School, Bill was the student body president, played football, and graduated as Salutatorian of his class. Bill left high school early during his senior year to join the Navy and attend boot camp in San Diego, CA, serving until his discharge in July,1946.
After completing his military service, Bill attended the University of Oklahoma and remained a lifelong, devoted OU Sooner fan. He completed his college degree at Sam Houston State University in 1950 and began his career at Dupont Sabine River Works in Orange just four days after graduation. He then met the love of his life, Evangeline (Vannie) Staudt, the daughter of a local jeweler, and they married in 1952. Bill and Vannie would be transferred with DuPont 14 times within the U.S. and spend 5 years working overseas in Dordrecht, Netherlands with their young family of four children.
In 1982, Bill was transferred back to DuPont SRW as a Construction Control Superintendent and retired in 1989 with 39 years of service. He enjoyed 37 years of retirement in Orange, spending most days golfing with his best buddies Hal Breedlove and Bob Couser at the DERA. Bill also loved college football and his European travel memories; however, he was most defined by his generosity and steadfast devotion to his family. Many charities as well as individuals were blessed by his giving nature and genuine concern for others.
Bill largely devoted his retired years to serving his community through volunteer work until his health no longer allowed at age 94. He was a HOST reading mentor, a driver for the Texas Federation of the Blind, board president for the Orange House of Refuge homeless shelter, toy drive coordinator for Salvation Army and a blood drive chairman at his parish, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community. Orange Christian Services was a favorite charity of his and he spent countless hours fundraising and serving as the OCS annual golf tournament chairman. Bill was honored as a Jefferson Award recipient in 2001 for his volunteer work and received the Campfire Community Service Award in 2017 for his altruistic work in the Orange area.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lillard and Audrey Belcher, treasured brother Col. Fred Belcher, sister-in-law, Jenny Belcher, brother-in-law, Max Staudt and granddaughter Stephanie Papuchis.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Vannie Belcher; son, Michael Belcher (Donna); son, David Belcher; daughter, Carol Papuchis (Steve); and son, Patrick Belcher (Michelle). Grandchildren, Keri Belcher Diez, Kristi Belcher, Christie Fusig, Veronica Whitney, J.T. Milberger, Katie Milberger Woodruff, Leah Papuchis Van Arsdale, Christina Papuchis Ramenofsky, Michael Papuchis, Brooke Belcher Estes, Jacob Belcher, Rachel Belcher; and 20 great- grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church followed by interment at St. Mary Cemetery. A personalized Celebration of Life luncheon will take place following the service in the San Damiano Center at St. Francis.
Donations may be made in Bill's memory to Orange Christian Services or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.