Howard Delbert Belt
Hopwood
Howard Delbert Belt, 93, of Hopwood, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 29, 2026, with his loving wife, Carolyn, and dear friend, Kimmy, by his side.
He was born June 13, 1933, in Mattoon, IL, a son of the late Theo and Reba Eleanor Zellers Belt.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his son, Brian Belt; daughter-in-law, Tina Belt; his first wife, June Belt; his second wife, Betty Belt; and his great-grandson, Jake Koopmann.
Howard is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Ann Reese Mangus; his children, Bruce Belt (Adrian) of North Carolina and Baron Belt of Illinois; his step-children Michael Mangus and Christie Mason (Kelsey); his grandchildren, Beau Belt (Kelly), Dustin Belt (Cassie), Whitney Belt (Kim), Brittany Wagner (Nathaniel), Tristen Matze (Austin), and Sara Koopmann; step-grandchildren, Tyler and Lindsay Mason and Nathan, Evan, and Natalie Mangus; and his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Piper, Dean, Mason, Asher, Jackson, Tucker, and Cade Belt, Kyson Wagner, Macie and Theo Belt, and Hanna, Tucker, and Zander Koopmann.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. A man of strong Christian faith, he was a member of the Uniontown Church of Christ, where his love for God remained the foundation of his life.
Howard was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Navy.
Throughout his life, Howard held many roles, including those of husband, father, teacher, preacher, coach, builder, and mayor. Each of these roles reflected his dedication to serving others and the many lives he touched throughout his years.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Amedisys Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Howard and his family. Special appreciation is also extended to his favorite doctor, Dr. Hartley, for his care and dedication.
Arrangements are under the direction of the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, HOPWOOD. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m. at the Uniontown Church of Christ.
Memorial contributions may be made in Howard’s memory to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.