Joseph “Hosey” Edward Belden, 94, of Midland passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023. A rosary will be said on Wednesday, February 1 at 7:00 pm at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday 2 February at 10:00 at the Catholic church of Sant’Anna. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Joseph was born November 29, 1928 in Horton, Kansas to Mary (Cruise) and Daniel “Chet” Belden, the first of seven children. His family moved to Topeka where he soon met three boys; they would all remain close friends for life. He spent the summers working on his grandfather’s farm near Horton. He graduated from Capitol (now Hayden) Catholic High School in 1946. He enlisted in the United States Army and served as a medic in the 24th Infantry during the occupation of Japan. After his honorable discharge, he took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at St. Benedict’s (now Benedictine) College in Atchison, Kansas, graduating in 1954. That same year he married Doris Fleming, a union that lasted 56 years. Joe went to work for Montgomery Ward and he and Doris moved to Independence, MO where their first three children, Matthew, Janet and Susan, were born. They moved to Midland, Texas in 1960 where Doris gave birth to their fourth child, Patrick. Two years later, they moved to Fort Worth, where their fifth child, Cheryl, was born. They returned to Midland in 1966. He was Ward’s district manager for 33 years. His territory covered West Texas, New Mexico, and parts of Oklahoma. After leaving Ward’s he worked for Mueller, Inc., selling steel buildings throughout the Southwestern United States.
When he could, Joe filled his weekends with activities and adventures: canoeing, dove hunting, racquetball, and most of all skiing, golfing, and fishing. He loved doing crossword puzzles and watching college football and old movies and golf. Joe genuinely liked people and he rarely met a stranger. He and Doris spent many nights playing games or arranging impromptu carols with their friends. He was a devout Catholic and served as lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Ann’s. He loved to read and his Catholic upbringing taught him to think. He was a good cook and a decent guitarist. He loved Texas, he loved Midland, and he loved his friends dearly. His family was very important to him and he did his best to be there for his many grandchildren. Above all, he was a loving husband, an exceptional father, a proud grandfather, and an indulgent great-grandfather.
Joseph is survived by his sister Catherine “Kitty” Belden of Oklahoma City, son Matthew (and wife Cindy) of Ballinger, Texas, daughters Janet (and husband Bryan Bristol) of Hunt, Texas, Susan (and husband Benny Ray ) Fishback of Brownwood, Texas, and Cheryl (and husband Lee) White of Odessa, Texas. He is also survived by grandchildren Martha, Joseph, Justin, Adam, Jason, Shannon, Shelby and Neal, grandchildren Carter, Tanner and Anthony, great-grandchildren Rose, Graham, Gwen, Sam and Luke, and great-grandchildren. grandchildren Paxton and Gianna.
Joseph is preceded in death by his wife Doris, his son Patrick, his parents, his brothers Daniel, Michael, Jerry and Patrick, and his sister Mary Jane. He was also preceded in death by his lifelong friends Tom Ravens, Harry Lavigne and Bill Stolte.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Manor Park and Midland Memorial Hospital. We would also like to acknowledge the long and devoted friendship of the Share and Care group of St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
Commemorative donations can be made to Msgr. Larry J. Droll Scholarship Fund www.cliu.com/giving-back/faith-based-scholarships/msgr-droll-scholarship-for-catholic-laity, The Manor Park Employees Christmas Fund www.manorparkinc.org, Paralyzed Veterans Association www .pva.org, Christmas in Action www.christmasinaction.org or the charity of your choice.
The Pallbearers will be Joe Belden, Justin Fishback, Adam Fishback, Jason Nash, Neal Belden, Anthony White and Tanner Bristol. The honorary bearers are Merrell Witt, Frank Vitrano, Jack Mangan, Jay Stanfield, Gerry Hertel, Tom McIlvain, Don Tomlin and Bob Duke.
The arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.
Published online January 31, 2023
Published in Topeka Capital Journal
