Duane Henderson Belcher

Duane Henderson Belcher departed this life on October 17, 2020, just days before his 90th birthday, after surviving the COVID-19 virus earlier in the year.  He was born October 30, 1930 in Anderson, Indiana and grew up in Speedway, Indiana.  He was the son of the late Thomas Franklin Belcher and Victoria Marie Henderson Belcher.

Duane graduated from Speedway High School and Purdue University with a degree in construction technology after serving in the USAF.  While in the USAF he had postings at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming and RAF Burtonwood near Warrington in Cheshire, England.  He worked in construction and construction management throughout his life, and finished his career working in the Hendricks County Engineer’s office in Danville, Indiana, retiring at the age of 87.  While in England Duane got his Formula 3 racing license and later back in the US got his private pilot’s license.  He enjoyed building model airplanes, the Indy 500, fishing in Canada, camping, horses and dogs, sailing, and participating in the annual Feast of the Hunter’s Moon historical reenactment in West Lafayette, Indiana with his son Brad and grandson Zachary in flintlock reliability and tomahawk throwing competitions.

Duane is survived by his wife of 64 years Margaret (Peg) Swearingen Belcher; his sister Avis Belcher Pearson in Tampa, Florida; sons Greg Belcher (Sue Wessel), Brad Belcher (Jane); grandchildren Zachary Belcher, Caitlin Belcher Rinehart (Luke), Megan Lee Belcher; and great granddaughter Lily Rinehart.

The family would like to extend our deepest thanks for the care given to Duane at Village of Avon and by Heart to Heart Hospice.  Also, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations are made to Misty Eyes Animal Center at www.mistyeyes.org.

Arrangements will be handled by Baker Funeral Home in Danville, IN.  A formal service will not be held due to safety considerations for the pandemic.  Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com