Joe Belton
December 8, 1927 - July 25, 2013

December 8, 1927 - July 25, 2013 Joe Belton was born in Boynton, Oklahoma to Lezime and Edna Manuel Belton on November 20, 1920. Growing up on the Belton farm, Uncle Joe engaged in activities such as swimming, horseback riding, hunting birds and rabbits, and fishing. He learned to use a rifle at an early age, then taught his younger sister, Mary Alice, how to use it. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Uncle Joe enlisted in the Army during WW2 and served as Demolition Expert in Germany. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the E.A.M.E. Service Ribbon for his participation in the European African Middle Eastern Conflict. He also received three Bronze Service Stars. After being honorably discharged from the military in September of 1945, Uncle Joe took up carpentry training where he learned how to read and interpret blueprints and sketches. He then went to work in the oil fields of Oklahoma. Sometime later he was introduced to the lovely Dorothy Wilson, and together they were blessed with three offspring. Uncle Joe and his young family moved to San Diego, CA in the late 1950's where he worked several years for Convair. He later returned to Oklahoma once again and worked in the oil fields. Afterwards he returned permanently to San Diego in 1992. Uncle Joe accepted the Lord in his teens and recently rededicated his life to the Lord. Some people leave a legacy of Silver and Gold, others a legacy of land and empires. Uncle Joe left a legacy of love, laughter, and warmth. He was a fun-loving person who loved life and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves to mourn his homegoing: one daughter, Marian M. Whiteside of Vallejo, CA (Richard), two sons, Joe L. Belton of Fairfield CA, and Dennis D. Belton of Sacramento, CA; Three sisters, Mary Alice Johnson, Mattie Ruth Daniels, and Marion Anderson, all of San Diego, CA.; Five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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