Jerald Bettes

Jerald Norman Bettes was born in Lubbock, Texas to Enid Louise Miner Bettes and Marion Mann (Lefty) Bettes. He passed away at his home in Willis, Texas November 26, 2025 after a long illness. he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Bettes; four children, Cletus Bettes (Kim Serfass), Billy Bettes, Barry Bettes (Cathy) and Brenda Andrews (James); ten grandchildren, Stephen Rowan, Natalie Gorter (Ben), Chelsea Rizzio (Joe), Chance Mikeska,(Lily Lott) Christi Mikeska, Brooke Bettes, Matthew Barry, Michael Bettes, Meghan Bettes and Andrew Bettes; three great-grandchildren, Nettie Rizzio, Emerson Rizzio and Grace Gorter.

When he was in the sixth grade his family moved to Okanogan, Washington, he worked at the Parm Dixon Ranch during High School and graduated in 1958. He returned to Lubbock, Texas but enjoyed going back to Okanogan for high school reunions.

He coached little league baseball when his sons were young. He loved to hunt and fish. Galveston was a favorite place to fish. In recent years Lake Conroe was the place for him.

He had a variety of jobs over his lifetime: picked fruit in Okanogan. Built go-carts, delivered auto parts, hung sheet rock and machinist in Lubbock: tool and dye machinist, Pipefitter for Local 211 in Houston; Superintendent over many large construction jobs in Houston. Finally had his own business manufacturing outdoor furniture: porch swings, gliders, pcnic tables, barbeque pits and fire pits. He retired somewhat in 2015 and moved to Willis, Texas (Lake Conroe) where he fished for catfish and rode his golf cart around the neighborhood visiting with neighbors.

He donated his body to Baylor Medical.

He was a good son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. He was loved and will be missed.