John “Jay” Joseph Belk, 68, of Taylorville, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 8:47 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026. He was born May 2, 1958, in Springfield, IL, to Francis W. and Barbara J. (Walter) Belk. He married Luenda L. Rodgers on September 8, 1978, in Edinburg, IL.
John served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge. He was a professional driver and retired from Cleeton Sanitation Service in December of 2024. John was a loving husband, father, and Papa. He and Lu adopted and raised 2 of their grandchildren, Gavin and Gabrielle Smith. John loved camping and spending time with his family; especially his grandchildren and dogs. He liked to keep busy and when he was not working on things around the house, he could often be found helping others. John never knew a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Luenda “Lu” Belk of Taylorville, IL; his son, James (Alysia) Matich of Niantic, IL; daughters, Angela (Al) Gillespie of Vinton, VA, and Amanda Belk of Kincaid, IL;11 grandchildren, Erik Matich of Niantic, IL, Ethan Gillespie of WV, Joseph, Dawson, and Timothy Gillespie of VA, Quentin Smith (Jessica) and Gabrielle (Grace) of Springfield, IL, Gavin Smith of Taylorville, IL, Alexis Smith of Sherman, IL, Colt Belk of Taylorville, IL, and Nathaniel Belk of Kincaid, IL; one brother, Dennis Belk of Springfield, IL; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; his canine companions, Diesel and Harper; and his second family, Ed and Becky Cleeton; along with the rest of his Cleeton work family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jeannie M. (Belk) Smith; his grandparents; and a sister- in- law, Susan Belk.
Visitation will be held on Monday, 7/20/26, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home, 302 W. Poplar Street, Taylorville, IL. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, 7/21/26, at 10:30 am at McClure Funeral Home. Cremation care will be accorded following ceremonies. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League (APL), 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.
