Hastings Belton, 84, of Palatka transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at his longtime beloved Eagle Street residence. The son of Ellison & Lallie (Boulware) Belton, he was a native of Palatka, born on Wednesday, June 26, 1929. He was a 1949 graduate of Central Academy High School and subsequently enrolled in Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, FL. Soon thereafter he was drafted into the United States Army, serving two years before earning an honorable discharge. On December 5, 1953, he was united in holy matrimony to Alberta Allen Belton and they were the blessed parents of four children. He was a retired Stock Clerk, employed by McCrory's Department Store in downtown Palatka for 52 years. Hastings joined Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church at an early age. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and watching western movies. Hastings loved giving advice on healthy eating, always promoted the importance of a positive attitude and also kept current with political affairs and events. In addition to his parents and wife of 51 years, he was preceded in eternal rest by his sisters: Daisyetta Barnett, Mary Davis, Lila Mae Kelly, and Hazel Belton Ettison; brothers: Theodore Belton & Jimmie Lee Belton. To cherish his memories: Son: Ernest (Debbie) Belton, Jacksonville; Daughters: Marquita (Larry) Smith, Miami; Johnetta (Joseph) Walker, Palatka; Daisyetta (Brian) McClellan, Jacksonville; Brothers: Robert (Gussie) Belton, Sr., Jacksonville, Sam (Grace) Belton, Philadelphia, PA, Clarence (Ruby) Belton, California City, CA; Sister: Eleanor (Cornell) Young, Ficklerville, NJ., Sister-in-Law: Amey Allen, Washington, D.C., 14 Grandchildren; 16 Great-Grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and caring friends. Visitation of family and friends will be from 5 - 8 p.m. Friday, December 6 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.