Robert J. Belle Sr.

Robert J. Belle, Sr., 93, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, following a long illness. 

Born on March 20, 1933, in Livingston, Alabama, to Oliver and Annah (Conley) Belle, Bob lived a full life defined by dedication — to his country, his craft, his union coworkers, and most of all, his family. 

Bob proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with distinction as part of the elite 101st Airborne Division during the Korean War. His time in uniform instilled in him a deep sense of pride, discipline, and camaraderie that carried through his entire life. 

After returning home from the service, Bob wed Lorene Simmons on November 21st, 1953, and thus began the start of an illustrious family. After retiring from active duty in 1953, Bob began what would become a remarkable 37-year career in the construction industry — a calling he truly loved. A proud and devoted 70-year member of Laborers’ Local 860 and affiliated with Local 310, he was widely respected among his fellow union members for his unmatched work ethic, leadership, and unwavering loyalty. Bob spent much of his career with Great Lakes Construction as a foreman, and later with Independence Excavating Company. To those who worked beside him, Bob was more than a coworker — he was a mentor, a role model, and a man whose word and handshake meant everything. He often said he never worked a single day in his life because he loved what he did so deeply. 

Outside of work, Bob found peace in the quiet of country life. He loved tending to animals, spending time outdoors, and appreciating the simple joys of rural living. Yet, his greatest pride and joy were always his children and family. He cherished every moment as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, taking immense pride in each of their accomplishments and the lives they built. 

Bob is survived by his loving family: his children, Ann (Tyrone) Foreman, Robert J. Belle, Jr., Shirley Cook, William Belle, Eleanor (Wayne) Martin, Conni Stewart, Shane (Sierra) Belle, Amanda (Phillip) Belle- Nojonen, Roger (Christine Stillwagon) Belle, and Joshua Belle; his former partner, Darlene Simon; and his siblings, Judge K.J. Neal and Eleanor (Michael) Harris. He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Rickey (Sabrina) Duncan, Melina Foreman, Ty (Iretha) Foreman, Austin (Mariah) Harris, Mieva Kane, Anita Wright, Ayisha Martin, Tasha Martin, Wayne Martin II, Chaunte Morgan, Chari Harris, George Treadwell, Shane Belle II, Ramiyah Belle, Karter Belle, Aurora Nojonen, Chloe Scheanon, Jordan Belle, and Brooke Belle. He is also survived by a staggering 41 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his strength, humor, unwavering love, and rich family legacy. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorene Belle; his son, Austin; his brother, Panell Neal; his sister, Catherine Bell; his sister Bennett , who passed in infancy; and two grandchildren; Chenard Treadwell and Adam Belle. 

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fleming-Billman Funeral Home, 49 West Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will take place afterward at Dorset Cemetery. 

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