Roscoe Gene

Roscoe Gene “Frenchie” Belcher MARION-Roscoe Gene “Frenchie” Belcher, 72, of Marion passed away at 5:45 PM, Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 27, 2007 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Eddie Donelson officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, October 26, 2007 at the funeral home. Burial will be at New Salem Cemetery in Creal Springs. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion 147 and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Belcher was born October 22, 1935 in Pittsburg, Illinois to Paul Edward and Francis (Evrard) Belcher. He married Barbara Hodge on June 21, 1968 in Johnston City; together they shared 39 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Melanie Belcher of Pittsburg; daughters and sons-in-law, LeGina and Phillip Conner of Marion and LaDawnielle and David Wallace of Carterville; grandchildren, Breanna Ginn, Brandi Conner, Bethany Conner, Nathan Belcher, Nichoal Belcher and William Wallace; and great grandchildren, Haley, Katelin and Dakota Ginn, Emma Belcher, Landon Parrish and Reagan Tefft. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren, Precious Faith Conner and Gabrielle Rene Wallace; great grandchild, Kolby Parrish; and brother, Dean Belcher. Mr. Belcher was a member of West Boulevard Missionary Baptist Church in Marion. He worked underground as a mine manager for Old Ben 24 Coal Company for over 25 years. He served his country with the United States Army. He was a member of Marion Masonic Lodge 89 AF & AM. He loved Thoroughbred horses and in 1981 owned the “Illinois Bred Horse of the Year”.