Voimir Belda

Memorial services for retired Colonel V.J. Belda, 95, of Temple will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 26, 2008 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. A private burial with full military honors will be held at a later date at Bellwood Memorial Park in Temple. Col. Belda died at his home Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

V.J. was born on October 25, 1912 in Omaha, Nebraska to Vaclav Karel and Josephine Kubesh Belda. He received an LL.B. degree from the University of Nebraska Law School in 1937. After practicing law for three years, in 1940, he married the former Gustie Hruban and joined the U.S. Army.

Beginning as a medical supply officer at U.S. Army hospitals in Arkansas, Wyoming, and Texas, V.J. became Executive Officer at the P.O.W. Army Hospital in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

After the war, Col. Belda began his career in Medical Administration, serving first as assistant director in the V.A. hospitals in American Lake, Washington and San Francisco, California. Then he was director at V.A. hospitals in Big Spring, Texas, San Fernando, California and Kansas City, Missouri. Finally, in 1971, he became Medical Director at Olin Teague Veterans Hospital in Temple, Texas. In 1974 he became director of Medical District 20, Veterans Administration Medical Center in Temple, where he served until his retirement in 1981. His service in Temple culminated 38 years in hospital administration.

V.J. enjoyed the outdoors: golfing, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, and equestrian activities. He was also an avid landscape artist and was active in theater. V.J. and Gustie enjoyed being with their friends, especially on their boat on Lake Belton, picnicking and watching the Texas sunsets.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jim, and his loving and supportive wife of 59 years, Gustie. He is survived by two daughters, Diane Herbst and Bonnie Asbury; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Having been the child of immigrants who worked diligently and made sacrifices for their children, V.J. leaves a history of honesty, and a deep appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities this country offers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Salvation Army or the charity of choice.

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