William R. “Jack” Belt, 74, a lifelong resident of New Castle, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Henry Community Health. He was born February 14, 1948 in Henry County, son of the late Mauvoreen and Retta (Grigson) Belt.
He married Peggy (Pickrell) Belt on April 19, 1969; they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. Jack earned an Associate’s Degree in Machine Technology from Ivy Tech College in 1977 and an Associate’s Degree in Industrial Maintenance from Ivy Tech in 1979, working in both fields for more than 30 years. He was employed at Broderick Company in Muncie 1973-1981 and Allegheny Steel in New Castle 1982-2010.
Jack was drafted into the Army in April 1968, served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 attaining the rank of SP4 – E4. He was honorably discharged from active duty in July 1971 and then joined the National Guard in New Castle (Mechanized Infantry) from July 1975, retiring as an SSG E-6 in 1998. Jack enjoyed reading, working in the yard planting flowers and was very proud of his children’s accomplishments.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jay died as an infant and Dale in 1977; and his loving wife Peggy M. Belt in 2013.
Survivors include his son, Rob (Robin) Belt of Muncie; daughter, Jenny “Sis” Belt (fiancé, Kim Blevins) of New Castle; granddaughter, Karli Belt; grandsons, Brett (Christian) Cumings and Brock Cumings (fiancé, Megan Johnston); great grandson, Liam Cumings; sisters, Kay (Bobby) Jarvis and Helen (Mike) Stephens, both of New Castle; several nieces and nephews; canine companion, Rolo Jack; and companion, Cindy Walls.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2022 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Tony Piper officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens where military rites will be conducted by a contingent of the US Army, the American Legion and the VFW. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Humane Society, 11 Midway Drive, New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Jack at www.hinsey-brown.com.