Robert Bethel
Rosewood Heights |
Robert Warren Bethel, 86, entered the Pearly Gates at 11:55 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2020. His family was by his side at Alton Memorial Hospital.
Born Dec. 27, 1933 in the family farmhouse in Brighton, IL, he was a son of Mark J. and Edith Ida (Wahle) Bethel. He married M. Lenora Boyd July 20, 1958 in Williamsville, IL. She survives.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, Robert worked as a structural steel detailer for Federal Steel in East Alton. He had also taught school at Southwestern High School, SIU, and various junior colleges. He was an avid fisherman and an accomplished photographer. He enjoyed developing and editing his own photographs. He was a member of the 1st Baptist Church in Cottage Hills, and for over 30 years, he volunteered at the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills. He was passionate about his years of service to the community.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Warren (Cindy) Bethel of Chicago, IL, Don (Ellen) Bethel of Rosewood Heights and their children Bryan and Deborah, and Roger (Ann) Bethel of Liberty, MO and their children Mark and Nicole; and one sister, Edith Herman of Edwardsville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Esther Williams, Howard Bethel, Dorothy Etter, and Rosemary Anderson.
Robert's family will hold a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, they ask that you please give of yourself at least 43 hours (30 minutes for each year of Robert's life) in community service to a charity or organization of your choice. After a year has passed, please let Robert's family know how it went.
Professional services were entrusted to Paynic Home for Funerals, and an online guestbook is available at www.paynicfh.com
Paynic Home for Funerals
