Charles Belk

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles Dwight Belk, 87, Joplin, passed away on Friday, August 25, after a long illness.

Charles was born on July 4, 1930, in Joplin, Missouri, son of the late Floyd Belk and Leho (Shafer) Belk.

Charles graduated from Joplin High School in 1949, and then served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. After serving, he attended Kansas State Teachers College (Pittsburg State University) where he earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education.

Charles began his career in education in Sarcoxie, Missouri, and later became a guidance counselor in Lansing, Kansas. It was while he was in Lansing that he met the love of his life, Joan Lorraine Budzisch, whom he married on October 8, 1965.

After marrying, Charles was employed by the US Forest Service in Grants, New Mexico, where he served as a counselor for the Job Corps program. He later served as a guidance counselor in Lebanon, Missouri, before returning with his family to Joplin, where he served in the same capacity for 31 years, retiring from the Joplin R-8 schools in 1999. He attended First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joan; son Christopher (Melissa) Belk of Joplin; daughter Jennifer Wring of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren, Evan Belk and Hannah Belk; and brothers, Floyd Belk and Richard Belk, both of Joplin.

The family will receive friends at the Joplin First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 501 West 4th Street, on Tuesday, August 29, at 7:00 PM.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary with private inurnment of his ashes at a later date in Osborne Memorial Columbarium.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, or the Joplin Humane Society, in care of Parker Mortuary.

Charles’ family would like to extend their warmest thanks to the staff of Hospice Compassus, who cared for him for over a year. Their compassion, dedication, and care have left an indelible impression.