Beldon John "Bel" Denman Age 86, crossed over to the Spirit World to meet his Creator on February 27, 2014 in his Independence, MO home.
The family will greet friends from 5:00PM to 8:00PM Thursday, March 6, 2014 at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Rd., Grand Blanc, MI. Services will be 12:00PM Friday, March 7, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Crestwood Cemetery, Grand Blanc.
Beldon was born September 17, 1927 in Flint to Elizabeth (Hinman) and Neuel John Denman. Beldon was the oldest son, fourth child, of six children. Beldon attended Flint Northern High School, joined the Navy in 1945 and is a World War II veteran. Beldon completed his diploma in 1947. After returning from the war, Beldon served on the Great Lakes. Beldon began working for General Motors Parts Division, Swartz Creek and retired after 35 years of service. Beldon is an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan. Beldon was affectionately known as "Straight Arrow" by his family. Beldon was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ church. He served as an Elder and Pastor in several congregations. Beldon had been active in American Indian ministries for many years and attended the First People's Circle, Community of Christ until his death.
Preceding Beldon in death is Mary Frances Denman, his wife of 54 years, 2002. His three sisters and one brother: Corona Heidel; Mary Lou Stobaugh; and Lucille Dersha; and Daniel Denman. His second wife: Mildred Pitman, of five years, 2009, of Independence, MO. Surviving is one brother: Neuel "Denny" Denman, of Davison. Surviving are two daughters of Beldon and Mary Frances: Deborah "Dee" Denman White Eye of Independence, MO; and Kathy Sue Denman-Wilke of Stillwater, MN. Surviving are six grandchildren: Paula Renee Gravatt of Santa Cruz, CA; Angela Dee McKernan of Scotts Valley, CA; Jacob Ammon Worthington of Temecula, CA; Johnathan Dutton Denman of St. Charles; Zachary Beldon Wilke, Travis Michael Wilke and Dietrich James Wilke, all of Stillwater, MN; eight great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and friends. Beldon married Sylvia Owens in February 2011 of Independence, MO with whom he resided until his death.
Donations are suggested to the Community of Christ, Headquarters, 1001 W. Walnut, Independence, MO 64050. Online condolences may be expressed at www.brownfh.com