James D. “Gander” Bellar, 78, Peru, passed away at 1:28 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health, Kokomo.

Born July 15, 1945, in Tennessee, he was the son of Mary Betty Burgess.  On August 20, 1972, in Peru, Indiana, he was married to the former Harriett E. Townsend, and she preceded him in death on June 12, 2013.

Gander worked for Bellar Construction for many years. 

Survivors include his children James Allen (Shanna) Bellar, Peru; Tina Kay Bellar, Peru; Becky Sue Bellar, Peru; Ronda Renee Baldwin, Kokomo; Marie Kay Dixon, Tennessee; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings, Doyle “Worm” Burgess, Dwight “Fats” Burgess, J. D. Burgess, Lisa Anderson, Susan West, Gene “Skinner” Bellar, Lois Hargis, Penny Burgess, Russell “Russ” Bellar, and Bill Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Mary Betty and Burnest Burgess; sister, Patty Burgess; and brother, Lonnie “Hooper” Burgess.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana. 

Visitation will be from Noon-2:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Westlawn Cemetery, Denver, Indiana.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.