David Lloyd Belcher

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of David Lloyd Belcher who caught the train to Glory on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 at the age of 71.

Born on March 20, 1953 in Kansas City, MO, to the late Lloyd (Pat) and Betty (Sunderwirth) Belcher, David developed an early passion for trains. He grew up in El Dorado Springs, with the KATY Railroad tracks just behind the family home. When the train came to town, the KATY Engineer would give him rides on the locomotive and caboose. So began his fascination with railroads and trains. David had a vast knowledge of locomotives and took photos of scenic train shots that were published in various books, calendars and magazines. David’s love for trains eventually led him to a career that spanned 22 years working as an Engineer for Montana Rail Link until he retired in 2015.

David graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1971 and attended Crowder College in Neosho, MO. He went on to work for the Bureau of Land Management’s Cadastral Survey Organization in Colorado. There is a granite memorial which includes his name along with 190 others engraved on it in the El Dorado Springs City Park. In 1976 David returned home to El Dorado Springs to help run the family business. After the business was sold, David was employed by Boliver Coca Cola in addition to running his own hometown routes.

In 1979 David met his future wife, Donna. He invited her to go to the El Dorado Springs Picnic on their first date. David and Donna were married in 1980 and in 1981 they welcomed their daughter Monica. David and Donna decided they wanted to live in the open spaces with prairies and mountains so they moved west to Wyoming and Montana with their young daughter Monica to find a new home.  David and Donna were best friends who shared 45 years of love and adventures. Donna was the constant love of David’s life.

David also enjoyed rock n’ roll music. He was an accomplished drummer and shared his love for rock music with his daughter Monica. David and Monica attended many concerts together and will always be bonded by their love of music (and trains).

David was known for his kindness, love of trains and music, but most of all his love for his family. He was loved by all that knew him and will be missed.

David leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Donna (Warner) Belcher and one daughter, Monica Belcher of Stevensville, MT. He is also survived by his brother, Brad Belcher, and wife, Chesley, Kansas City, MO, sister, Beth Brown, Shawnee KS, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.