Ronald Eugene (Ron) Belt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, began his new life in heaven on Friday April 17th, 2020. He passed peacefully and was surrounded by loved ones as he said goodbye. Ron enjoyed a happy and blessed 91-year life and was regarded by all who knew him as a kind, caring and thoughtful man.

Ron was born on November 24, 1928 in Springfield, MO to Emil Wayne Belt and Edith Ailene Todd, and attended Springfield High School (now Springfield Central HS). Upon graduating, Ron spent time in Arkansas and eventually Texas. It was in the Lone Star State where he would meet and eventually marry the lone love of his life, Sarah Lee Skelton (Belt). They would share a marriage of 71 years, producing 2 loving children, 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He loved his family and used his witty sense of humor and engaging personality to maintain the closest of bonds with all family members, down to his youngest great-grandchild. A long-time sales professional for Harry Cooper Supply Company in Springfield, MO, his career spanned decades, as did the friendships he built with colleagues and customers alike.

In his spare time, Ron was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed playing golf. But perhaps he'll be best remembered for his hobbies involving wood and leather crafting. He enthusiastically enjoyed making custom leather gun holsters, black powder horns, wood carvings and walking canes bearing custom insignias and gemstones. Ron understood the importance of community involvement. He was a member and regular attendee at Schweitzer United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and was active in a number of men's fellowship groups. Additionally, he was active in the Masonic Lodge and Shriners organizations. As was apparent in his church and civic involvement, Ron embodied generosity. Always selfless with his time and talents, he performed most of his charity work anonymously and without personal credit or benefit. He gave gifts to folks he barely knew and met needs for people without them having to ask. And of course, he was notorious for over-tipping restaurant servers and wait staff, usually at his favorite haunt, The Shady Inn.

Ron will be celebrated and deeply missed by anyone and everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Lee (Skelton) Belt of Springfield, MO; sister Nadine Scrivener of Springfield, MO; his children Ronald Wayne (Ronnie) Belt & wife Sonovia Belt of Dallas, TX, and Judith Ann (Belt) Miller of Springfield, MO; grandchildren Jennifer (Belt) Turturro of Denville, NJ, Matt M. Miller of Springfield, MO, Amy C. (Miller) Reaves & husband Jason Reaves of Springfield, MO and Aaron C. Belt of Dallas, TX; and great-grandchildren Zephyrina, Evangeline, Adeline and Antonio Turturro of Denville, NJ, Olivia B. Francis and Emma L. Francis of Springfield, MO, and Lucille R. Miller of Springfield, MO.

Private family services will be held at a later date.