Jerry L. Belden

1935 - 2022

Jerry L Belden
Mulvane, KS - Reverend Jerry Lee Belden, 86, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022. He was born to Leslie and Vera Belden in Winfield, Kansas. He met the love of his life, Hazel Elaine Hayden, in Green Lake, Wisconsin, at the National American Baptist Assembly grounds on Monday, October 26, 1959. On August 7, 1960, they were married at Jerry's home church, the American Baptist Church of Winfield.
Jerry graduated from Winfield High School in 1953 and committed his life to the gospel ministry. He participated in band and choir at Southwestern College in Winfield and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Art in Education with an emphasis in social studies and history. Jerry then continued his journey at Central Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 1960 with a Master in Divinity. During this time, Jerry provided pulpit supply to churches all over southeast Kansas. Jerry was ordained in May 1960. He later went back to Central Baptist Theological Seminary and completed a Doctorate in Christian Ministry.
Jerry touched the lives of people both inside and outside of the church. God used Jerry and Hazel to meet the needs of people in St. Paul, MN; Lebanon, IN; Topeka, KS; Wood River, IL; Kansas City, KS; Pittsburg, KS; and Carrollton, IL. He retired in 1996. After his retirement, Jerry and Hazel spent time in Jerseyville, IL; Punta Gorda, FL; Naples, FL; Girard, KS; and most recently, Mulvane, KS.
Jerry was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and passed his love of sports on to his children and grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife Hazel of 61 years; his daughter Sandra Belden of Mulvane, Kansas; his son Scott Belden of Punta Gorda, Florida; his granddaughters Ashley Spencer (Kevin), Danica Belden, and Lisa Duensing (Kirk); his great-grandchildren, Mallory, Louis, Augustus, and Guinevere; and his sister Jan Waldorf (Gene) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Vera Belden, his brothers John and Joe Belden, and his grandson Ryan Belden.
A memorial service will be held February 26 at 10 a.m. at the Smith Mortuary - Mulvane Chapel, 501 SE Louis Blvd, Mulvane, KS. The family requests guests wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a memorial scholarship established with the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region to benefit those entering the ministry.