Robert Joseph Belsha

Robert (Bob) Joseph Belsha, age 85, of Lawrence, Kansas, formerly of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021, at his daughters’ home in Leawood, Kansas. He was born August 24, 1935, in Windsor, Missouri, a son of the late Marion E. and Woodrow W. (Smith) Belsha. In June 1965, he married Sandra Serian and together they had a daughter, Jeannine. In 1993, he was united in marriage to Thelma Long who preceded him in death on July 28, 2002. Through that marriage, Bob gained two stepdaughters, Tammy Long (Carpenter) and Kimberly Long (Jasper). Bob attended Smith Cotton Hight School and later earned his General Education Development Diploma. Bob’s career was in the United States Navy where he served from September 1952 until February 1976, attaining the rank of E-7. He was also civilian sailor, working for the Military Sea Lift Command. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, archery, fishing and was a Hamm Radio operator for many years and also enjoyed spending time with family. Bob was also preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Kimberly Jasper (Long); and his sisters, Trudy Travis, Desi Dow, and Linda Fisher. He is survived by his daughter, Jeannine Eddins (Mike), of Leawood, KS; stepdaughter, Tammy Carpenter of Ottawa, KS; brother, Tommy Belsha, of Sedalia, MO; sister, Sue Embree of Sedalia, Mo; seven grandchildren, Joey Lind, Jackie Lind, Shelby Eddins, Nicole Worstell, Michael Jennings, Dustin Carpenter, Emily Houston and five great grandchildren. Cremation is planned with ashes to be scattered at sea at the Port of Embarkation at Honolulu, Hawaii. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067.