Rodney Gerald Belden, 76, of Allegan passed away Friday, June 16, 2017, at Wings Home surrounded by his family. Rod was born on Nov. 21, 1940, in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Gerald and Kathryn (Slater) Belden.
After high school, he served his country in the United States Army, of which he was very proud. Upon returning from the Army, Rodney took a job at Rockwell International in Allegan, retiring after 30 years of service. After retiring, he worked part-time for The County Post and AutoZone.
Rod was very mechanically inclined and enjoyed tinkering with vehicles. If it had a motor, he could usually fix it. Racing ponies at the Allegan County Fair, Rod felt it was much more economical to shoe his own horses than pay someone else, so he taught himself how to shoe a horse. He was great at learning how to do things on his own.
His love for music led him to teach himself how to play the guitar and he and his friends would play at McDonalds and Walmart on Sunday nights.
For 20 years, Rodney attended the Dulcimer Music Funfest in Evart, having his grandchildren accompany him for many years. Rodney was also something of a packrat-if he bought something, you can be sure that it was still around, as well as the receipt for it!
He was a person that was easy to like and will never be forgotten. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.
Rodney is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Janice; their daughter Kathy Tyo; two grandchildren, Josh Schafer and Tyler Schafer; his sister, Linda and Richard Beilby; and his brother, Larry and Debbie Belden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Kathryn Belden, and his brother Dan Belden.
Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be on Wednesday, June 28, at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made in Rod's name to Wings Home, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010. Interment will be at Hudson Corners Cemetery, Allegan Township.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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