Gilmer Belcher dies at 101 For Immediate Release September 24, 1999 Dr. Gilmer Belcher, Abilene Christian University faculty emeritus, died Sept. 21, 1999, five days after his 101st birthday. Funeral services was Thursday at the University Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Belcher was born in Johnsville, Texas, on Sept. 16, 1898. Before coming to ACU, Belcher served as coach, principal and superintendent at various high schools throughout Texas. He and his wife, Mary Lois, of 72 years made Abilene their home in 1935 when Belcher joined the ACU faculty as associate professor. This turned into a 32-year career at ACU under many titles. He taught a naval training program for pilots during World War II and also taught physical education classes. Belcher was director of the Extension and Correspondence Department until 1970. He played and coached basketball, baseball and football and coached an All-Star team with players from Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons and McMurry universities. Belcher also helped in building a local bookstore, now known as Abilene Educational Supply. Belcher served as an elder for the Univeristy Church of Christ for 25 years and as a minister of the gospel at the Buffalo Gap church. Belcher earned his bachelor's degree from North Texas State Teachers College, his master's degree from Colorado University and his doctorate from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in 1934. He and his wife have two children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Ashley York, his great-granddaughter, and Erin and Megan McCurley, his grand nieces, are currently attending ACU. -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: Sept. 26, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/events/news/990924-belcher.html