John Nathan Belden

John Nathan "Papa John" and "Ole Blue Grass John" Belden, 73, of Litchfield, passed away Friday morning, April 5, 2013 at his residence in Litchfield, IL.

John was born on June 10, 1939 to Russell and Ethel (Scoggins) Belden in Hartford, IL. He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1961 and later married Maud (Furlow) Kimbro on June 4, 1988 at the First Baptist Church, Litchfield.

John worked 31 years at Owens Glass Factory in Alton, IL and retired in 1993. He was in charge of custodial duties at the First Baptist Church in Litchfield for 9 years. He enjoyed mowing yards for families at the church. John faithfully attended the First Baptist Church in Litchfield with his church family. John collected old steam trains and tractors and was an avid Blue Grass and gospel musician, playing in several bands. John enjoyed traveling, photography, blue grass festivals, trips to the river to eat fish at Beasley's Fish Stand in Grafton and enjoyed his family accompanying him. He was a member of the Western Illinois Bluegrass Music Association, Tri-State Bluegrass Association and American Threshermen Association in Pinckneyville, IL.

John is survived by his wife, Maud Belden of Litchfield; 2 daughters, Kimberly (Aaron) Bechtel of Sherman, IL and Laura (Mike) Moroney of Taylor Springs, IL; 4 granddaughters, Kaylie (Justin) Ripley, Kelsie (Tim) Roberts, Kendra (Fiance, Nathan Kirby) Moroney and Hannah Bechtel; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Bechtel; sister, Beverly Belden of Hartford, IL; sister, Wanda (Jim) McCullen of St. Louis, MO; brother, Darrell Belden of Hartford, IL; sister, Barbara (Harold) McDonough of Wood River, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death his parents, Russell and Ethel Belden and a brother, Dennis Belden.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Litchfield Family Funeral Service, 700 South State Street, Litchfield, IL.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church in Litchfield with Rev. Tim Shrader officiating.

Burial will follow in the Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield with military graveside rites.

Memorials are suggested to

the John Belden Benefit, care of the First Community Bank in Hillsboro, at 807 South Main St., Hillsboro, IL 62049.

Online condolences can be given at litchfieldffs.com.

Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield, IL is in charge of arrangements for the Belden family.

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