Joseph E. "Buddy" Belcher of Hondo, 86, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. Born Jan. 2, 1930, in Victoria, he was the son of Joseph and Easter Vada Belcher. Buddy served in the U. S. Coast Guard from 1948 to 1955 when he was honorably discharged by reason of physical disability. At Port Aransas where he had spent his childhood, he became a commercial fisherman and fishing boat captain. Later, in 1985, he and his wife moved to Hondo from Castroville. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Hondo, and he was a beloved uncle, having helped raise his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Donna Marian Carpenter Belcher; and sister, Lois Belcher. He is survived by his stepmother, Berdine Belcher of Castroville; brothers, Donald (Gaye) of Castroville, Larry (Linda) Belcher of Refugio, Louis "Totsy" (Ann) Belcher of Rockport, Glen (Susan) Belcher of Calallen and Ceburn Belcher of Lake Livingston; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, at First Baptist Church, Hondo. Interment will be at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. The family suggests memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Hondo, or the Medina County Food Pantry.