Keith Belcher
Cottage Hills | Save
"Captain" Keith A. Belcher, 42, of Cottage Hills, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with his family by his side.
He was born on January 11, 1984, in Alton, the son of Darrell E. and Carol S. (Orban) Belcher. At the age of 17, Keith met a then 16 year old named Ashlee R. Slater. Several years later on September 9, 2006, they married in Alton. She survives.
Keith proudly served as a Lead Pilot for Ingram on the Mississippi River for the past 13 years, a career that he truly loved and took great pride in. Keith lived life to the fullest and never passed up an opportunity for fun or adventure. He loved camping with his wife and children, taking memorable float trips, enjoying golf cart rides around the neighborhood, watching NASCAR and dirt track racing, and spending time with his best friends at "the garage." Family vacations and spontaneous getaways brought him immense joy, as did summer pool days and backyard barbeques. A devoted family man, Keith cherished every moment spent with those he loved. He especially enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, particularly "Pass the Trash" and UNO, often teaming up with one of the kids or teasing his wife, depending on the night. Halloween was one of his favorite times of year, and many children will fondly remember the hayrides he lovingly organized.
Keith was known for his quick wit, playful spirit, and unforgettable sense of humor. A true jokester until the very end, his final words to his beloved wife were, "What's up girl?"-a simple phrase that perfectly captured his fun-loving personality. He was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts, loved dancing and singing, and in mowing his yard, often calling it his sanctuary. Keith never hesitated to help anyone in need and made everyone feel welcomed and loved. He deeply cherished his parents and siblings, often stopping by simply to say hello or spend time together. When Keith loved, he loved with his whole heart, and his love was truly one of a kind.
Above all else, Keith was most proud of his children, Natalee and Brayden. They were his greatest joy, and he loved them more than life itself, always striving to provide for and care for them. He also shared a deep and unconditional love with his wife, Ashlee, making sure every day that she knew just how much she meant to him. Keith's legacy of laughter, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Along with his parents, and wife, he is survived by his children, Natalee Belcher and Brayden Belcher; his siblings, Melissa (Paul Ivanuck) Belcher, and Kevin (Erin Mesey) Belcher; six sisters-in-law and their husbands; a brother-in-law; nieces, Dreana (Adam) Jones, Vaness Vanzo, Cassi (Brandon) Copeland, Angel Spencer, Sammie (Ben) Hildenburg, Savannah Belcher, Randi (Kolton) Roberts, and Alex Bennington; great-nieces; Harleigh, Ellie, Emery, Lucy, and Raylin; great-nephews, Jamison, Henry, and Barrett; as well as many very close cousins, and tons of close friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 2 pm until time of service at 6 pm, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Pastor Terry McKinzie will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to the funeral home to help with final expenses and/or the Cottage Hills VFW for Veterans.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
