Belden,Jr., Omer Carpenter died Sunday, June 23, 2013. Stricken by polio at the age of five, Omer walked through life with crutches and braces, inspiring those who knew him with his unflagging spirit and grace. Born January 27, 1921 to Omer Carpenter Belden and Myrtle Allman Belden of Sherman, Texas. The family came to Wichita when Belden, Sr. became associated with Barney Allis and the then new Allis Hotel. While Omer attended grade school in Joplin, he finished his schooling at Central Intermediate, and graduated from East High in 1940. He was active in acapella choir and the Glee Club and sang tenor with the Continental Quartet. In 1941, while attending Wichita University, Omer began a lifelong affair with the newspaper business. At the Wichita Beacon, he began in the proof-room where he quickly became Chief, and then moved to the news room shortly after. He was Copy Editor, reporter, and columnist. For nine years Omer was Night and Sunday Editor. At times he was Night Club/Movie reviewer, did a stint of writing Home Town News and The Nite Owl column. When the Wichita Eagle purchased the Wichita Beacon, Omer continued his newspapering as Morning Wire Editor. He was Copy Editor on the Neighbors Section when he retired in 1986. Omer’s marriage June 6, 1945 to Barbara Hyatt produced two sons, Craig and Gary. There were divorced in 1973. In 1974 he married Dorothy Wood, a fellow journalist, who died in 1999. Omer and Barbara were “re-united in marriage” on November 13, 2003. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son, Craig and his wife, Laura, their son Michael of Lakewood, California; son, Gary of Mesa, Arizona. Also surviving, nieces, Barbara Madorin and husband, Steve, of Douglass, KS, Teresa Cansell and husband, Melvyn of Leon, KS, Billye Navarro of Austin, TX, Pat Rutherford and husband, Jack, of Osprey, FL; nephews, Larry Brandt and wife, Daniela, of East Linn, OR, Brian Beebe of Wichita, KS; step-daughter, Kathy Wood of New York. Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 28, 2013, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.