Eugene S. Belschner

MSGT Eugene “ Gene”  Stanley Belschner, USMC (Ret.), 93, of Crofton, Maryland, passed away on March 3, 2023, at Anne Arundel Medical Center.  Gene was born in Baltimore, on October 13, 1929, to the late Hilda and George Belschner.   He served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting at 17 years old, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant and retiring in 1967, as Drum Major of the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps (“The Commandants Own”).  Gene served and fought in the Korean war. Gene’s passion was music that carried on through his whole life.  He was a member of several drum and bugle corps, and played a large role in the early days of the Friday Evening Parade at the 8th and I Marine Barracks in Washington DC. Gene was inducted in the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame as an Associate Member in 2002. Gene was also known for his immaculate lawn.  It was referred to as the nicest lawn in the neighborhood and closely resembled the parade ground at 8th and I Marine Barracks where he spoiled the mirror gloss spit shine of many shoes as he led the Drum and Bugle Corps through their drills.

Gene was predeceased by his devoted and beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy L. Belschner and his sister, the late Eunice Althoff.  He is survived by his beloved children Dale L. Belschner (Gail), Sheila L. Jenkins (Martin) and Donna J. Boushell (Bryan); his cherished grandchildren, Bryan M. Boushell, Jr. (Starvia), Jonathan L. Boushell (Lindsay) and Justine L. Belschner; his adored great-grandchildren, Elana, Betty, and Cosmo Boushell.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Avenue, S.W. (at Crain Hwy), in Glen Burnie, on Wednesday, March 15th, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM.  A Graveside Service with Marine Corps honors will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville on Thursday, March 16th 2023, at 10:45AM.

Contributions may be made in Gene’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org