David R. Belknap

David R. “Dibber” Belknap, age 66, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, February 4, 2008 in his home surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness.Born on October 7, 1941 at Midvale, Dave was born to the late Harry “Wayne” and Thelma Page Belknap. Best known to his friends and family as “Dibber”, Dave grew up in Midvale and attended Midvale High School. He was an outstanding athlete known as a baseball standout as well as being quite talented on the basketball court.Following graduation, Dave worked at Republic Steel for a bit and soon joined the United States Navy. While enlisted, Dave became as an Electronics Specialist and upon discharge was awarded the Medal of Good Conduct.Dave later joined GTE Telephone Company and worked as a supervisor until his retirement in January, 1993.In addition to his sporting activities and work with electronics, Dave will be best remembered for his passion of racing, particularly NASCAR and drag racing. Every chance he got, he could be found working on his own race car, making sure that everything was “just right.” Racing wasn’t his only passion, however, Dave was a history fanatic and, more in particular studied the events and actions that surrounded the World War II era. He loved to watch the History Channel and read as much as he could about the time period.Dave is survived by his wife Ruthann Johnson Belknap of New Philadelphia and three children; a son, Jeff (Dori) Belknap of Dover; and two daughters, Amie (Kevin) Hulick of New Philadelphia, and Correen (Jamey) Kraft of Massillon. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Brandlyn, Ryan, Ambria, Kameron, and Lainey.Completing the family are two brothers and a sister, Ray (Cathy) Belknap, Robert “Bob” (Joan) Belknap and Judy Poorman all of New Philadelphia.In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by a brother, Ted Belknap.The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 2-4 and 6-8 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Stephen G. Cox will lead the Belknap service on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 11:00 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery. Following the committal, the family would like to invite guests to attend a reception of food and fellowship to be held in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home.Those unable to attend visitation or services, may express personal condolences to the family by visiting the online guest book located on the funeral home’s website.Memorial contributions in David’s name may be sent to the Twin City Hospital Medical Center Building Project, 819 N. First Street, Dennison , Ohio 44621.