Jerry L. Belt, 75, of Richwood, died Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 at The James Cancer Hospital.
He was born Nov. 14, 1945 in Columbus to the late Julius Ellsworth and Edith Frances (Ellinwood) Belt. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Howard Paul Belt; a sister Terry Lockwood; and a step-son, Andy Beltz.
A 1963 graduate of Richwood High School, Jerry served in the Marine Corps for four years where he earned the Good Conduct Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. In 1967, he began working for Nestle R&D in Marysville until his retirement in 2001. Jerry enjoyed open water SCUBA diving.
He was a charter member of VFW Post #870 in Richwood where he had served as Commander from 2013 to 2016 and was currently Commander. He had also actively served on the funeral detail.
A well-traveled Mason, Jerry was raised in Mt. Carmel #303 F&AM in Richwood where he served as Worshipful Master in 1984, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2010-12. He was an honorary member of Indian Lake #722 F&AM. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 15th Masonic District from 2001 to 2004. His satellite memberships include S. S. Jewel Council #89 where he served as Illustrious Master in 1990, 2008, 2009 and 2011 and Super Excellent Master in 1985; Marysville Chapter #99 where he served as High Priest in 1989, 2000, 2002 and 2005; Bellefontaine Commandry #61 where he served as Eminent Commander in 1995 and 2015; Ohio Priory KYCH; Ohio Northern Forest #188 Charter Member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon where he served as Grand Tall in 2007; High Point Council #120 AMD where he served as Past Sovereign Master in 2010; Valley of Columbus, AASR; Knight Commander of the Red Branch of Eri in 2011; Life Sponsor of the Eye Foundation; Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio, where he served as 5th Arch Adjutant from 2015 to 2017 and was currently serving in the Grand Line as Grand Marshal.
On June 13, 1987 he married the former Dianne (Yoder) Beltz in Raymond and she survives in Richwood. He is also survived by sons, Justin Tyler Belt, Prospect; Todd McKee, North Carolina; step-daughter, Amanda Schultz, Marion; step-son, Daniel Robert (Angie) Beltz, Lakeview; special daughter, Betsy (Keith) Hicks, Cardington; eight grandchildren, Kayla (Nick) Jester, Dylan Beltz, Terra Beltz, Jacob Belt, Brooklyn Belt, Journey Belt, Landon Hicks, Katey Hicks; and a great-grandson, Aiden Hicks.
Graveside services will be Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Claibourne Cemetery with Pastor Joseph Rhea officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Richwood Area Veterans and the U. S. Marine Corps. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood, where Masonic services will be conducted at 7 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to an organization that is dear to the hearts of Ohio Masons, Special Olympics Ohio, 3303 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232; or the VFW Post 870, P. O. Box 164, Richwood, OH 43344.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.