Belmar Lee Reliford

Belmar Lee Reliford, age 90 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday morning, April 17, 2025.

He was born in Trammel, Virginia on January 9, 1935 to the late Leon and Clara (Grizzle) Reliford. On February 20, 1960 he married Jenny Hill who preceded him in death on June 16, 2004.

Belmar worked for several years at SK Wayne in Defiance until his retirement in 1996. He was a very skilled wood worker, and he had a true passion for taking his cars to car shows, watching NASCAR, and fishing for perch and walleye in Lake Erie. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Belmar is survived by his daughters, Debra Grimes of Paulding and Cindy (Keith) Kreischer of Montpelier, his sons, Rocky Reliford and John (Sabrina) Reliford of Montpelier, brother Tracy (Gretchen) Reliford, sister Patricia Stover, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Joye Gibson, and his loving partner, Mary Green.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Geneva Stantz, Nancy Wagner and Elsie Garber, three brothers, Ed, Jack and Calvin Reliford, and his grandson, J.J.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Pastor Janet Strickland officiating. Belmar will be laid to rest in Ayersville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Defiance Police Officer's Association (for the children).

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