Morris G. Belcher, 82, formerly of South Charleston, WV, passed away at his home in Augusta, KS, on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017.

He was born Dec. 11, 1934, to Lester L. and Ermal G. Belcher. Morris graduated from Ripley High School in 1952. After graduation, he worked for the West Virginia Department of Soil Mechanics before entering the oil and gas industry in 1956. He worked with Columbia Carbon, Cities Services and Oxy USA before retiring in 1995.

Morris married Sandra E. Edwards on April 6, 1968. He is survived by his wife, four children (Melinda P. Gallo, Tammy A. Keene, Michael G. Belcher, and Shawn T.L. Belcher), four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Morris took great pride in his career and with the men and women with whom he worked. The natural gas and oil that they provided allowed residents to warm their homes and cook their meals and for companies to grow and operate. He always dealt fairly and honestly with his co-workers, other businesses, land owners and government and environmental officials.

After retirement, Morris enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, playing with his dogs, fishing, and spending time outdoors in his yard. He also loved talking with family and friends, swapping stories and telling jokes.

The family thanks Dr. Henry Kuhns, and Interim HealthCare of Wichita - Hospice, including his nurse, Jennifer Lafferty, and his home health aide, Delois West for their dedication and gentle care. The family also thanks Leah Booth for the all the help she has given the family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Kay, his second granddaughter, Aliscia Ball, and a great grandson, Isaac Garcia.

There will be a private family service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Interim HealthCare of Wichita - Hospice.