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Marion Lavern Belden, 95

Marion Lavern Belden, 95, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living, Lawrence, KS.

Marion was born on April 7, 1930, in Smith County, KS, the son of Rex Everett and Myrtle Mae (Rouse) Belden. Marion was drafted by the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He served from December 21, 1951, to December 6, 1953, when he was honorably discharged. He was the head electrician for a Marine Air Corp base while in Korea. He was always proud to be a Marine. Upon discharge he worked with his brother-in-law Joe Broker fixing up old houses.

Marion returned to the family farm and continued farming in Smith and Jewell counties. In addition, he custom harvested for over 55 years from Texas to North Dakota. Many lifelong friends were other custom harvesters and farmers.

Marion married Wanda L. Favinger on November 5, 1955, in Lyons, KS. Marion adopted Wanda's children, and they had one son together. They were very active in square dancing until Wanda's health required them to slow down. They moved from the farm to Burr Oak in the early 80's. They were members of the Nazarene Church in Burr Oak. Marion was a charter member of the Marine Corps League - Mt Suribachi Detachment, Smith Center. Marion and Wanda were instrumental in establishing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. They also helped get the Veterans Memorial at the Smith County Courthouse in Smith Center.

His dog Roxy was a constant companion to him in Burr Oak and Lawrence until his health no longer let him take care of her. When his health precluded him from staying at home, he moved to Pioneer Ridge Independent Living in Lawrence, KS, to be closer to Katie, Steve and the grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wanda Belden, son Larry G. Belden, and 6 siblings.

Marion is survived by his children, Steve (Connie) Belden and Katie Kent; grandchildren, Gwen Belden (Razel Agustino), Andi Wisdom (Haleigh) and Brooke Kent; great grandson, Morgan Wisdom, and sister, Leatha Hoard. Bonus family, Dan & Sandy Franco, Cindy (Brian) Wallace, Sonya Gardner Harris, Jill Cook, Danita (Ty) Braun and many bonus grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS. The burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS, with military honors. Memorials may be given to the Marine Corps League, Mt. Suribachi Det., Smith Center, KS, and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA