Robert (Butch/Bob) Belding passed away June 16, 2026. He was born October 11, 1952 in Refugio TX to M.A. "Bud" and Virginia (Vaughan) Belding. He and his family moved to Worland, WY in 1957 after being transferred by Halliburton Oil Company.

He attended Worland schools, graduating with the class of 1971. In high school, he participated in football, basketball and track, and other non-sanctioned extracurricular activities. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he would spend the next 20 years. Bob and the late Cheryl Elaine Brown were married in 1975 in Worland. They were blessed with two exceptional daughters.

Upon joining the Navy, he attended boot camp in San Diego, CA with subsequent training in Great Lakes, IL as an engineer. His first operation command was the USS Proteus, AS-19 which took him to Guam. Subsequent duty stations include Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA; USS MIdway, CV-41, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan; USS Enterprise, CVN-65; USS Higbee, DD-801; Naval Station Great Lakes, IL; USS Nimitz, CVN-68. He retired from the USN in 1991. During his naval career he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, Battle "E" Efficiency Award, Good Conduct Award with 4 Bronze Stars, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and Sea Service Medal with four Bronze Stars.

Upon retiring, he lived in Riverton and Sheridan, WY. He also joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he achieved Post Commander and District Commander, in addition to being elected Wyoming State Commander 2005-2006.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 32 years Cheryl, and his eldest sister Cathy Moorhead, of Greybull, WY. He is survived by his two daughters Ginny (Chad) Rieger and Mandi (Ryan) Williams, both of Sheridan WY, his baby sister Jane (Dave) Cox, of Richmond IN and 9 grandchildren, all of whom reside in Sheridan, WY.

Cremation has taken place per his wishes. A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors presented by the United States Navy due to the many years Robert served. Will take place June 28, 2026 at 1 pm at Riverview Cemetery in Worland WY.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to VFW Post 1560, 758 Broadway, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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