Ovid "Horace" Belshe

Horace Belshe, son of the late Ovid Harvey and Autie (Gibson) Belshe, was born April 19, 1915 in Richland, Missouri. His father owned a drug store and supplemented the family income by buying and selling jersey cows. This was a necessity for a family in the 1920s. Horace graduated from Richland High School and went on to further his education by attending and graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in Education. He also did extended work in biochemistry. On February 12, 1938, Horace was united in marriage to Mabel Ann and they shared over 65 years of marriage together. Horace and Mabel Ann were blessed with two sons: Steve and Sid. In 1944, Horace was drafted into the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1946. He had attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. During World War II, Horace worked in the blood chemistry lab services in general hospitals. He was commissioned and transferred to the general hospital staff in Georgia and Alabama. He also worked at the O’Riley General Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, which was located across from where the Lily Tulip Plant is now. After being discharged from the military, Horace purchased a farm and began a dairy operation in Richland. After disposing of the dairy, Horace bought Richland Hardware/Furniture Company and worked until the early 1970s when he decided to retire. In the 1980s, Horace and Steve bought the present day farm and began a Brangus cow operation. Horace was a part of the “Hall of Fame” of the Brangus Association and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with all the friends he made through the Association. In his spare time, Horace enjoyed working on the farm and he was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He was able to take the kids to Sportsman Park and watch Willie Mays play baseball. Horace was very active in the Richland community. He helped establish MOCA and was the first president of the organization. He was also a life member of the American Legion Post 240 and was a long time member of the First Christian Church of Richland. Horace went home to be with his Lord at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 14, 2010, at the Richland Care Center at the age of 95 years, and 25 days. All those that knew and loved him will sadly miss him. He leaves to cherish his memory two sons: Steve Belshe (Sally), Richland, and Dr. Sid Belshe (Barbara), Jefferson City; three grandsons: Mike Belshe (Angie), Des Peres, Chris Belshe (Kelly), Flower Mound, Texas and Tim Belshe (Lori), Richland; six great grandchildren: Ben, Sam, Patrick, Nicholas, Allie and Kade Belshe; sister-in-law: Bonnie Belshe, Webster Groves; three nieces; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Horace was preceded in death by his wife Mabel Ann, one sister: Rosalynn Hillhouse and two brothers: Francis B. and Robert Belshe. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Richland Building Fund, or the Show-Me Christian Children’s Home, in memory of Horace Belshe. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, May 17, 2010 in the Richland Memorial Chapel with Bro. Tim Gola officiating. The roll call service was given by the American Legion Post 240 of Richland. A Great grandson of Horace, Patrick Belshe gave a loving eulogy. Pianist, Becky Lercher accompanied soloist, Rodney Blanchard as he sang "How Great Thou Art" and "In The Garden". Serving as escorts were Mike Belshe, Tim Belshe, Nicholas Belshe, Johnny Smith, Cleamont Sheeley and Jeff Sheeley. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 240 of Richland. Services were under the direction of Richland Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be sent to www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Ovid "Horace" Belshe

April 19, 1915 - May 14, 2010