Robert Lamar Belliston

Bob Belliston, 89, of Twin Falls passed away February 18, 2015. He was born May 28, 1925 to Joseph and Matilda Belliston in Nephi, Utah. The family migrated to Albion, Idaho shortly thereafter. Bob graduated from Albion high school in 1943 with a graduating class of 13. Following graduation, Bob enlisted in the US Navy and served during WW II in the pacific theater. At the end of the war, Bob was honorably discharged having served two years, nine months and twenty six days. (for some reason, he made a point of telling people exactly how long he was in the navy). Following the navy, he returned to Albion and attended the Southern Idaho College of Education. He married the love of his life, Ila Houk, in 1948 and graduated with a BA degree in 1949. Upon graduation, they both moved to New Plymouth, Idaho to begin their teaching careers. He taught one year in New Plymouth, one year in Hanson, Idaho and 33 years in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. Bob loved teaching and being with his students. But, his greatest passion was coaching. He coached football for 15 years, winning the conference title 3 times with an undefeated season in 1955. He coached track for 27 years winning numerous district titles and finishing second in the state track meet 5 times. He coached junior varsity basketball and assisted his lifelong best friend, Gordon Brown with the varsity squad for 31 years. He sat on the bench as a basketball coach in over 1,600 games. Their basketball highlight was winning the state championship in 1980-1981. Bob became Glenns Ferry's athletic director in 1976. Bob received awards and accolades too numerous to mention but most noteworthy was serving as President of the 4th District Coaches Association, 4th District Athletic Directors Association, Canyon Conference, Big 8 Conference and Little 5 Conference. Bob was a member of the Idaho Coaches Association for most of his career and was inducted into the Idaho Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also a member of the 4th District Board of Control. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and 4 brothers. His beloved daughter, Jan, was called home much too soon at the tender age of 20. Bob is survived by his wife Ila of 66 years, his brother, Gordon (Barbara) Belliston of Phoenix AZ , his son, Ron (Mary) Belliston of Twin Falls, Idaho, his grandson, Scott of Twin Falls Idaho, his granddaughter Kari (Shad) Grier of Boise, Idaho and his two great-grandchildren Maddie and Mason Grier of Boise Idaho. A memorial service will be held in the Glenns Ferry gymnasium on Friday, March 13 at 2:00 pm. The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Glenns Ferry school district. Those who wish may share memories or condolences on Robert's memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the caring direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.