William ("Chet") Belcher, 88, died peacefully at home on August 10, 2021, having spent his recent days surrounded by his family. He was a sharecropper's son who entered this world in 1933 during the harsh years of the depression. Chet had eight brothers and sisters and they all worked in their daddy's fields from the time they could walk. As the second oldest child and oldest son, Chet was expected to pull a man's share of the load at a very early age when he graduated from the eighth grade. He excelled in school and wanted more than anything to go to high school, but he was needed to support the family farm. He was the apple of his daddy's eye, but he always regretted not being able to go to school, which he remedied later. Ultimately, he earned a master's degree and made an "A" in every course.

When he turned eighteen, Chet ventured off to the big city. He worked in a factory in St. Louis until he went into the Army at the age of 20.  He had a sweetheart named Nadine back home in Holcomb, Missouri, and they married soon after.  Their first daughter was born and was quickly followed by three more daughters, one of whom died in infancy. The Vietnam war called for him in 1965 and while he served in combat, Nadine struggled to hold down a job and raise three children on her own back in Holcomb. When Chet returned the transition was hard, he had seen a lot of combat and had commanded many young men, some of whom never returned home. In 1968, shortly after the birth of his youngest daughter, he was sent back to Vietnam for another "tour." His battalion was the first to storm Hamburger Hill, taking heavy casualties. Chet returned home, battle-hardened with three bronze stars, two purple hearts, and numerous other commendations. He advanced to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, a formidable man to all. His "efficiency reports" (performance reviews in civilian parlance) reflected his character and included some of the following comments from his commanders:

• "Command Sergeant Major is the best-noncommissioned officer I have encountered in over 19 years of service. I am convinced he is without peer in the entire Army."
• "CSM Belcher is the most outstanding soldier I know on active duty today. Equally at home speaking to a large theater of people or on a rifle range teaching one soldier to fire his weapon. He is the model soldier for all enlisted, NCOs, and officers."
• "Definitely not a yes man – does not parrot what I say and knows what he is talking about. He would be an outstanding Sergeant Major of the Army – he is that good."
• "Promote to E10 as soon as that rank is established. His potential in our Army is limitless."

Chet retired after thirty years of service and spent several happy years with Nadine until cancer intervened, taking Nadine at the age of 48. He grieved hard and then met a widow named Rita with two sons. They married and spent 38 wonderful years together before Chet passed away. Rita tended to his every need as his health declined, cherishing him past reason. He always said he was lucky in love, and he was.

There are many tales that could be told about Chet. Bright as fire, a quick wit, had a temper, quick to forgive, don't mess with his family, committed to excellence, made his kids behave, treated his wives with respect, honored his parents, didn't take any b.s. ever, could carry a tune, didn't tolerate laziness, loved his girls.  Chet was the hero of our hearts, the strength in our struggles, the cool head in our crisis, the one we turned to for soothing and solace. His impact was not limited to his extended family, having made valued friends throughout his travels and career. "Old" soldiers would reach out to him on occasion to reminisce. He was deeply loved and immensely respected. There are no words to describe how much we will miss him.

He is survived by his wife Rita Belcher, daughters, Nerissa Belcher, Mary Belcher, Donna Naitove, and Linda Belcher (Brett), stepchildren John David Harvey (Dana) and Brian Harvey (Misty); his grandchildren Ana Haynes, William Naitove, Katie Donnelly Belcher, Michael Donnelly, Allison Harvey, Daniel Harvey, Ella Harvey, Eric Davidson, Will Davidson, and Thomas Davison, siblings Thelma Crawford, Elmer Belcher (Betty), Zelma Lacy, Delmer Belcher (Sharon), Nelma Bradshaw (Howard), Donny Belcher (Joy), Wilburn Belcher (Joyce), and Tommy Belcher (Janice).

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Nadine Hall Belcher; his parents, and his brother-in-law's, Buddy Lacy and E.J Crawford

A service with military honors will be held at the Townsend Brothers Funeral Home at 11:00 AM on Saturday 14 ^th of August, and a memorial service will be held in Missouri at a later date.