Art Belsom Jr.

Richard Arthur "Art" Belsom, Jr., aged 79, passed away on January 10, 2023, in Alexandria, Louisiana in the company of his family. Art was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 29, 1943, to Frances Ballos Belsom and Richard Arthur "Dick" Belsom.
Art attended Lafayette High School, where he became a member of the band and was the first recipient of the prestigious John Phillips Sousa award. Art graduated in 1961 and continued to pursue his love of music at SLI in Lafayette. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha, a fraternity devoted to music and brotherhood, and he played in the local band Lucky 7.
Art joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 1963 – 1967. He served as a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp in Washington D.C. Performing in weekly parades as well as JKF's funeral precession.
Upon completion of his service, he moved his family to New Orleans. He worked as a deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. In 1972, while working for the Jefferson Parish Fire Dept. Art received an associate degree in Fire Prevention Technology from Delgado University.
He soon joined the Belsom family in their operation of F&B Supplies of Lafayette, later known as BELSCO, Inc. There, he served as a sales representative and president. Belsco and Art hosted many hospitality suites at Law Enforcement conferences that were "legendary".
Art founded the 4B Ranch, now known as Rustic Sky Horse Camp, presently owned by his dear friends, Sky and Gina Wright. It was there that Art made his home for the past 5 years.
Art always said he should have been an Indian but instead he got to be a cowboy. He loved hunting, fishing, shooting of all types, building things, solving problems, people, outdoors, riding horses, music and dancing. He never met a stranger and loved to visit. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Richard Belsom.
He is survived by his children, Erik Belsom and his wife Beth and Erin Belsom; his siblings Bill Belsom and Claire Belsom Fung and her husband Rusty; his grandchildren, Katelyn, Kiley, and Emily Belsom; his great-grandson Reid Arthur Belsom and nieces and nephews Billy Belsom and his wife Becky, Emily Belsom Patron and her husband Brett, Paul Fung and his wife Katie, and John Fung.
There will be two services held in his memory.
In Lafayette, visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at First Lutheran Church at 301 Farrel Road, beginning at 8:30 am. A funeral service led by Reverend Rob Miller will be held at 10:30 am following the visitation.
At Rustic Sky Horse Camp located at 30 Squyres Lane, Melder Louisiana on Saturday, February 11, 2023. A dedication at the new Tree of Soles in the forest at 12:30 pm and will be followed by a service in the Saloon at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Concerns of Police Survivors,
Louisiana C.O.P.S. – PO Box 41143 – Baton Rouge, LA 70835
http://la-cops.org