Hundreds of mourners turned out for the funeral services of Delbert “Shortly” Belton, the World War II veteran who was beaten to death as he crossed a parking lot to enter a lodge in Spokane, Wash.
The 88-year-old who was injured in Okinawa was given full military honors at the service, which took place at a cemetery in Spokane, Fox News reported.
Friends spoke of Belton’s love for pool and dancing. More than 500 motorcycle riders showed up for the service, described by family as overwhelming.
“I just can’t believe it,” said Belton’s nephew, Ty Bennett, Fox News reported. “It’s breathtaking and leaves me speechless, this turn out. How many people just care in the community.”
Police have arrested two teenage boys in the beating death of Belton, which ignited outrage across the nation for its randomness and for its racial side story. Belton was a white man. The two teens, 16, are black, leading some to wonder why civil rights activists like the Rev. Jesse Jackson or the Rev. Al Sharpton — who were loudly protesting what they decried as racism in the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin trial — were largely quiet on this act of violence.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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