Dante Arthur Belvin, 82, was born on May 8, 1942, in Boswell, Oklahoma, the son of Henry and Sarah Belvin. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Baby Belvin, Virgil “Buddy” Belvin, John Belvin, Henry “Poochum” Belvin, Richard Belvin, Vernon Belvin and Soloman Belvin; sisters, Lavada Duke, Jimmie Lou Hunt and Virginia “Weaver” Rutledge.
Dante was a lifelong resident of Boswell, Oklahoma and a graduate of Boswell High School, Class of 1962. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Specialist E-4 Dante Belvin served in the U.S. Army from 1964 – 1966 during the Vietnam War. He attended basic training at Fort Polk and was sent to helicopter school in Alabama. Dante served with the 1st Calvary Division and was a helicopter mechanic. As an advance crew, Dante and other personnel and contracted Vietnamese workers created a camp and facilities ahead of ships arriving with troops. During his camp stay, Dante’s team was also on guard duty since they had been at the site the longest. He took great pride in his work on helicopters and knew its importance. Keeping the helicopters in top shape helped keep the troops in the air. Dante received the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and recognition as a Marksman Rifle.
After his return from Vietnam, he married his beloved high school sweetheart, Loretta Meinke, on December 23, 1966 in Henrietta, Oklahoma. Dante attended Northeastern State College on the GI Bill and in 1972 earned his BA in Education. He went on to earn an MS in Agriculture & Applied Science from Oklahoma State University and began his career as a vocational teacher for Broken Bow Schools, coordinating on the job training opportunities for his students to get work experiences. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Oklahoma Education Association, Oklahoma Retired Education Association, Choctaw County Retired Educators Association and held multiple offices, including President of the Kiwanis. Dante enjoyed raising cattle and doting over his “girls” and pets. He loved family get togethers and enjoyed eating, visiting and storytelling. He was great at giving advice and didn’t hesitate to give it. Dante will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the “Dante and Loretta Belvin Progressing Our Potential Memorial Fund” being established at Texoma National Bank in Boswell.
Dante is survived by his wife of 58 years, Loretta of the home; daughter, Katosha Nakai of Boswell, OK and husband, Errol; grandchildren, Ellisia Nakai and Gabriella Nakai of Phoenix, AZ; brother, Jerry Paul Belvin of Boswell, OK; sister, Debra Bacon of Boswell, OK along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends, family and loved ones.
Obituary provided by Miller and Miller.