DR. LEON HAROLD BELCHER, SR.
1930-2021
On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, Dr. Leon Harold Belcher, Sr. departed this life at the age of 90.
Dr. Leon Harold Belcher, Sr. was the first of six children born to Willie T. and Willie Mae Ramsey Belcher on August 8, 1930 in Schaal, Arkansas. Preceding him in death after his parents are three sisters, Inolia Stamps, Ressie Brown, and Marjorie Johnson, and his oldest son, Kelvin K. Belcher, MD. Surviving him are his wife, Mary Sue Belcher, his son Leon H. Belcher Jr, his granddaughter Lauren N. Belcher, and his two brothers Cave Sterling Belcher and James E. Belcher, MD and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was an educator, mentor, a leader, and administrator, as well as a prolific author publishing numerous scholarly papers and other works. As our family mourns, we know there are many whose lives he touched and many who share our loss.
In his 90 years, Dr. Belcher lived a journey of accomplishment in the educational, academic and professional arenas that he continued throughout the time we shared him with the world. He served in the United States Army from 19521954. In 1955, he earned his bachelor’s degree with honors from University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff (formally known as Arkansas AM&N, a HBCU). He then completed his master’s degree program in Psychology at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and subsequently earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Colorado State College in Greeley (now named University of Northern Colorado) by 1960. He served as Professor and an Associate Dean at Alabama A&M from 19611966. In 1967, he completed a Post Doctorial Research Fellowship in Educational Testing Service at Princeton University, and did further Post Doctorial Training in Academic Administration at University of Wisconsin from 1971-1972.
Dr. Belcher served Texas Southern University from 1967 to 2015 and was both the Department of Psychology Chair for many years and as the Dean of Arts and Sciences for several years as well. As professor he taught doctorate, masters, and undergraduate level courses throughout his career. He also secured approval from the Federal Communications Commission to activate and operate the TSU radio station KTSU in 1972, while serving as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, he was a Licensed Psychologist with Health Service Provider Status from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists where he served as Examiner for the board. Dr. Leon H. Belcher, Sr. was involved with several research projects following his ETS assignment. He authored many articles, scholarship programs, and many other academic projects. He was a role model for many students as there were many undergraduate and graduate students he helped and advised with various goals and projects throughout his career including directing several dissertations. Dr. Leon H. Belcher, Sr. amassed numerous awards, honors and notices of distinction. He was a member of academic organizations representing the highest scholars including; Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, at University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, and Phi Delta Kappa Professional fraternity. He was awarded the Wall Street Journal Award Undergraduate Level Economics Class in 1955, the Dr. Asa Grant Hilliard Award for Breaking the Chain of Psychological Slavery in 2010, and the Texas Southern Student Psychological Association Award in 2007.
Throughout the ranks of our family, Dr. Belcher was loved for his reason, generosity of spirit and his willingness to show, share and spread patience and love. His smile and kindness knew no limits. As the family patriarch, Dr. Belcher was acknowledged and respected him for his high academic, professional and career achievements. He served the family as a role model and mentor.
Visitation will be held on (Saturday) April 10, 2021 from 10-10:55 a.m. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., both services will be held at the Riverside U.M.C., 4920 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77004, Rev. Keith L. Somerville, officiating, Interment Houston National Cemetery.