Donald Belles 75 passed away at his home in Horse Cave KY. on November 17th 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Alice Belles. Three brothers, Edward Belles, William ( Bill ) Belles and Dewey Green.
He is survived by his wife Resa , daughter of his heart, JayLee Lyon. Daughter April Evans, husband Joe , a Son Jesse Vickers, wife Ashlynn. Eleven grand children and seven great grand children. Also several nieces and nephews.
Don was born in Sayre , Pennsylvania on March 07, 1948 and later moved to Michigan with his parents and his brothers. He was on the swimming team at Eastern High School and later worked as a lifeguard during summer breaks .
A year after graduation he joined the Army. Where he became a helicopter pilot. He served many different positions while serving his country. Also got his first bachelor’s degree in psychology at St. Martins University. Major Belles left active duty and joined the Army Reserves for over twenty years serving as a chaplain and a drug and alcohol counselor.
He continued his education while working for the Boeing company while living in Puyallup WA. for over thirty years. Don earned 5 academic degrees: a BA, M, Div., Ph.D., M.B.A and M.Ed. He completed his doctoral dissertation during these years.
Through the years Don earned many awards. Local, national and international. Traveled to Russia ,once as a student and another time as a presenter and also trips to Jerusalem, and Egypt.
His awards included listings in the Who’s Who in the World, America, West, Health and Medicine, and others. As well as the William Allen Award for Volunteerism Finalist. He had many skills and licenses. He also worked as an instructor and college faculty member while living in Washington. He loved participating in the civil war reenactments as president Jefferson Davis.
Until he as stricken by ALS. He continued consulting until he lost his ability to speak. Don would describe himself as a life long learner. He wrote poems and one book that was published called ” Mark the Educator” he also had one finished but yet to be published . He loved his life, his family and his friends.
So as of now he is free of the terrible disease of ALS and sleeps peacefully awaiting the resurrection. We as his family are blessed to have been part of his life and knowing that he is now in Jehovah’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS foundation. A celebration of life will be set at a later date. where family and friends can reminisce of happier times.
Don will be forever loved and greatly missed.
