Belew Family History & Genealogy

Leland Forrest Belew was born on February 25, 1925, in Salem, Missouri. He completed his education at Salem High School in 1944, and on the very day he departed for combat duty, September 15, 1944, he exchanged vows with his childhood sweetheart, Helen Jerena Scheidemantel. Serving in the US Army from 1943 to 1946, he became a distinguished veteran of World War II, where he courageously served in the European Theater with the 70th Division, known as The Trailblazers. For his valorous service, he was honored with the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Following the war, he furthered his education and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, now known as the University of Missouri-Rolla. His career trajectory took a remarkable turn when he learned of the burgeoning missile program in Huntsville, Alabama, while working for the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, Tennessee. This led him to become a Design Engineer for the von Braun Rocket Development Program in May 1951, immersing himself in the world of rocketry and propulsion systems. His work at the Marshall Space Flight Center involved designing, testing, and producing rocket engines, and he made significant contributions to the fast start system for large rocket propulsion engines. These advancements ultimately played a crucial role in enabling the United States to achieve the historic moon landing. In 1958, he assumed the role of Manager of Engine Programs for MSFC, where he orchestrated the research, development, and production of engine projects for NASA's Apollo Manned Space Flight Program, including the iconic Saturn V engines that propelled astronauts to the moon. Additionally, he played a key role in managing the Skylab Program at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, an initiative that resulted in the world's first space station. Mr. Belew was not only an accomplished engineer and space expert but also a prolific writer. He authored numerous papers, reports, and books, including the editorship of "Skylab: Our First Space Station," which was recognized with a "Certificate of Merit" by the D.C. chapter of the Society for Technical Communications. Moreover, his co-authored book "Skylab: A Guidebook," created with Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, was honored with a Blue Pencil Award from the Federal Editors Association and was even reprinted in Russia in the Russian Language, attesting to its international acclaim. His enduring legacy as a pioneer in space exploration, a decorated veteran, and an accomplished author continues to inspire generations and will forever be remembered in the annals of human achievements.

John Belew of Union City, Obion County, TN was born on March 23, 1904, and died at age 85 years old on January 16, 1990.

John W Belew of Bessemer, Jefferson County, AL was born on July 18, 1919, and died at age 82 years old on August 5, 2001.

Harold L Belew of Milan, Gibson County, TN was born on July 26, 1923, and died at age 69 years old on March 21, 1993.

Curtis A Belew of Martin, Weakley County, TN was born on November 24, 1908, and died at age 89 years old on February 22, 1998.

Jake W Belew of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas was born on December 3, 1921, and died at age 49 years old in October 1971.

Otis Belew of Louisville, Jefferson County, KY was born on May 4, 1922, and died at age 65 years old on December 27, 1987. Otis Belew was buried at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery Section A Site 83-A 4701 Brownsboro Road, in Louisville.

Villard E Belew of Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County, Tennessee was born on November 12, 1918, and died at age 66 years old in May 1985.

Allen J Jr Belew of Ennis, Ellis County, TX was born on February 8, 1928, and died at age 75 years old on February 15, 2003.

Allen M Belew of Memphis, Shelby County, TN was born on August 24, 1921, and died at age 61 years old on June 5, 1983. Allen Belew was buried at Memphis National Cemetery Section K Site 6922B 3568 Townes Avenue, in Memphis.

Ralph Belew of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas was born on June 13, 1919. He married Freddie (Cunningham) Belew on July 31, 1968 in Tarrant County, TX and they later separated on October 16, 1969. He also married Margaret S. (Cartwright) Belew on November 28, 1969 in Johnson County and they later separated on August 21, 1975 in Tarrant County. Ralph Belew died at age 88 years old on December 9, 2007.

William C Belew of Cordova, Shelby County, TN was born on September 21, 1913, and died at age 92 years old on August 21, 2006.

William W Belew of Bristol, Sullivan County, TN was born on November 28, 1910, and died at age 86 years old on May 27, 1997.

Thomas R Belew of Terrell, Kaufman County, TX was born on January 5, 1956, and died at age 45 years old on October 26, 2001.

Thomas L Belew of Terrell, Kaufman County, Texas was born on December 5, 1892, and died at age 90 years old in October 1983.

Thomas R Belew of Lexington, Lauderdale County, AL was born on February 8, 1920, and died at age 81 years old on March 2, 2001.

David W Belew of Mullin, Mills County, TX was born on June 16, 1934. David Belew was married to Carolyn S. (Caldwell) Belew on September 19, 1969 in Tarrant County, TX, and died at age 70 years old on July 2, 2004.

Leroy Belew of Milan, Gibson County, TN was born on September 6, 1923, and died at age 72 years old on February 21, 1996.

Robert H Belew of Florence, Lauderdale County, AL was born on September 14, 1917, and died at age 79 years old on May 15, 1997.

Theodore Roosevelt Belew of Lansing, Ingham County, MI was born on September 16, 1912, and died at age 83 years old on April 8, 1996. Theodore Belew was buried at Ft. Custer National Cemetery Section E Site 233 15501 Dickman Road - No. Entrance Svc Maintenance Bldg, in Augusta.