Rodney Bryan Belknap, 85 of Chapel went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 4th after a short illness. He enjoyed his life of 85 years and was proud of his many accomplishments. Rodney Bryan was a great man – he loved his family and his country. He was born July 8 , 1924 to the late Fletcher & Ruth Moore Belknap. He married Geneva Joan Given (deceased) and remained married for 60 years. They had five children together; Rodger Belknap & friend, Patti Carr of Kanawha Run, Larry Belknap & wife, Robin of Richmond, KY, Sheila Belknap of Sarasota, FL, Jack Belknap & wife, DeLesa of Chapel and Jill Crawford & husband, Rocky of Kenova; one surviving sister, Virginia Larch of Charleston; brother, Russell Belknap of Akron, OH. He was very proud of his seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was in the US Navy during World War II and served on the USS Moffet. He loved his native county, Braxton, and the people that lived there. He was a successful businessman starting out working for JC Bakers and Son and eventually owning his own business in Braxton County – a car and modular home dealership. He was also successful in investing in real estate in the Braxton County area; one of his favorite investments, The Century Inn Family Restaurant was a place he visited daily. He enjoyed discussing days gone by and what the future might bring with his many friends at the Century Inn. He was also a successful politician, serving the people of Braxton County as an elected member to the House of Delegates five consecutive terms. He was appointed to serve on the House Finance Committee by Governor Jay Rockefeller. Rodney was active with the Braxton County Democratic Committee. He served on the Board of the Braxton county Memorial Hospital and took pride in the fact that he was instrumental in bringing the hospital to the people of Braxton County. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite, Shriners and a Mason; a member of the Tin Can Sailors Inc. and an honorary member of the Chapel Volunteer Fire Dept., and a member of American Legion Post #33. Rodney enjoyed farming and moved to the Belknap family farm in the 80's. In 2003, he enjoyed the honor of receiving the Conservation Farm of the Year of the Elk Conservation District. A celebration of Rodney Bryan Belknap's life began Friday, August 7th at the Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway from 5 to 9 p.m. Graveside service with military and Masonic graveside rites were 10 a.m. Saturday, August 8 at the Bender Run – Belknap Family Cemetery, Chapel, WV with Pastors Bill Carr and Doc Truman officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Chapel Volunteer Fire Dept., c/o Mr. Bill Carr, 1855 Chapel Road, Gassaway, WV 26624.

BRAXTON CITIZENS' NEWS, Tues, Aug 18, 2009