Paul J. Belcher

BELCHER, Paul J., age 86 of Riverside, passed away Friday, October 28, 2011 at Trinity Community of Beavercreek. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Nora Belcher, and his brother Gordon Belcher. Paul is survived by Evelyn Belcher, his wife of 61 years; son Greg Belcher; daughters Melissa (Bill) Morrisey and Patty (Jim) Simpkins; brother Robert (Una) Belcher; sister-in-law Lou Belcher; grandchildren Brian, Scott, Kristen, Amanda, Jessica, Jeni, Jamie, Jacob, and Zachary, and four great-grandchildren. Paul was born on June 7, 1925 in Lynch, Kentucky, attended Evarts High School, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age 17. A WWII veteran, Paul served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 as an Aviation Combat Aerial Gunner on a TBF Avenger, aboard the USS Boxer in the Pacific Theater. In 1951, he received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and later did post-graduate work in Operations Research at The Ohio State University from 1970-72. From 1951-1989, Paul was employed at WPAFB as a Research Engineer in the Aircraft Laboratory Design branch, Dynasoar Systems Project office, and Development Planning office. He was a nationally recognized aircraft performance specialist and analyst of emerging aeronautical and aerospace systems. Paul received many awards for his achievements, including the Air Force Commendation medal. After retiring from Wright-Patt, Paul worked as a research scientist at Wright State University researching space shuttle performance. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. Interment Woodland Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to his family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.