PORTSMOUTH - "Do not cry for me, while my body has expired from pancreatic cancer, I live eternal as my soul has gone to heaven. To all my friends and family, may you continue to be blessed by the Lord and may you be a blessing unto others as you have been to me. Thank you for making my life on earth a great experience. Please celebrate my passing and know that I will be waiting to see you again when you arrive in heaven. - Jon"
On May 24, 2010, John Michael Belding earned his wings after 65 years. His younger sister, Susan, was waiting for him when his soul entered into heaven. He was not scared and he was happy to be reunited with his sister. Jon was predeceased by his father, Jonethen Dean "J.D." Belding; his mother, Edith Elaine Belding; and his sister, Susan Belding Saunders. Jon is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Yvonne Anderson Belding; his three children, two by blood and one by choice, Laurie Belding Metzger, Todd Ashley Belding and Michael Carmelo Rivera; his son-in-law, Robert Metzger Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Rachelle Rivera and his beloved granddaughter, Madison Elise Metzger, who has always been "Papa's Girl"; his brother by choice, Red Whitehurst and wife Elise Whitehurst; his sister, Karen Kay Belding; his brothers-in- law, Tommy Anderson and Karl Saunders and his wife Patricia Saunders; his nieces, Kristen (Belding) Thomale Pratt (Missouri), Christine Anderson Torian (Maryland), and Tina Anderson Ellsworth (Georgia) and their spouses, Matthew Pratt, Buddy Torian, and David Ellsworth; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Devon Pratt, Grace Ellsworth, Colleen Pratt, Alexandra Torian, Kyle Ellsworth, and Anderson Torian; and his cousins, Jon Laine (Arizona), whom was named after him; and numerous other relatives. Jon was a graduate of Cradock High School, Class of 1962, and attended the University of Richmond before he was drafted into the Army. He was a Vietnam veteran who served from 1967-1968 with the 54th Dustoff Medical Air Evacuation Unit. He was a crew chief for UH1H helicopters as well as an administrative assistant. He won the Bronze Star with a "V" for valor during his tour in Vietnam. He is a lifetime member of the Dustoff Association. He was a 36-year member of the Local 110 Plumber & Pipefitters Union and worked as a pipefitter for numerous companies during his career. He was a longtime member of the NRA and a lifetime member of the Virginia Rifle & Pistol League. He was a member of Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, and was head of the church's board of trustees. Friends may join the family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church by the Rev. Michael Reaves. Burial with military honors will be at 1 p.m. Sunday in Olive Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church, 5615 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23701.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 26, 2010