Dr. Mark Allen Belcher, 56, ended his courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, May 27 at his home in Jackson, Miss. Dr. Belcher was the Assistant Chair of the Department of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science at Belhaven College.

Dr. Belcher attended Louisiana Tech University and received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University and his Master of Arts in Kinesiology from Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a physical therapist in private practice for over 25 years and practiced in both Louisiana and Mississippi, conducting numerous physical therapy seminars throughout the Southeastern United States. Dr. Belcher received his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Southern Mississippi and conducted post doctorate studies in Counseling and Psychology at Liberty University. He achieved his lifelong dream to teach as a professor at Belhaven College.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Arrington Belcher; his parents, Alean and John D. Belcher of Tyler, Texas; his sister, Gina Beal of Franklinton; and brothers, Greg Belcher and Dee Belcher, both of Ruston. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lane Belcher.

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Dr. Belcher dedicated his life to Christian service and outreach. For many years he was an active member of Gideon’s International. He was the recipient of the 2001-2002 Henrietta Mears National Sunday School Teacher of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to the Ministry of Sunday School. He was routinely invited as a motivational speaker by churches, schools and organizations throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Dr. Belcher was an active supporter of the Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson and has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to the Gateway Rescue Mission.

A memorial service celebrating Dr. Belcher’s life will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Franklinton on June 13 at 10 a.m., and another memorial service at the Belhaven College Chapel on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.