Donald C. Betts
July 18, 1917 - February 8, 2007

Funeral Service

Monday, February 12, 2007, 10:00 AM

United Methodist Church, Bayard, Iowa

Pastor Kathy Van Gundy

Pastor Robert Rogers

Music

On Eagles Wings?

Wind Beneath My Wings?

In The Garden?      Amazing Grace?

The Old Rugged Cross?

What A Friend We Have In Jesus?

Till The End Of Time?

Martha Wolf, Organist

Casket Bearers

Brenda Derry     1SG Curtis McClellan     Tracey Malm

Deanna Van Cura      Brent Betts

Terry Betts

Rod Derry     Erick Van Cura

Honorary Casket Bearers

Justin Derry   Katie Derry   Ryan Derry   Jennifer Malm    Mark Malm    Derek Betts    Dylan Betts    Alaya Betts     Peyton Betts   Mason Betts  Kim Betts    Nicole Shirbroun  

Elizabeth Van Cura    Rebecca Van Cura     Marci Prier    

Interment with Military Honors

Orange Township Cemeter

near Coon Rapids, Iowa

American Legion Posts

Bayard and Guthrie Center

   Donald Crandall, son of Charles F. and Ena Pearl (Crandall) Betts, was born July 18, 1917, in Guthrie County, Iowa. He attended rural school in Orange Township and then went to Bayard High School, graduating with the Class of 1935. After completing his schooling, Don worked on the family farm with his dad and also on the farms of his uncles.

   On September 10, 1939, Don was united in marriage with Esther May Smith at the Methodist Parsonage in Guthrie Center. Two children were born to this union. Don entered the United States Navy in April of 1944. He served as a Pharmacy Mate until his honorable discharge a year later. Don also served in the reserves for 20 years. They continued farming in Guthrie County first on rented farms before moving to the Betts family farm in 1947. In addition, Don worked for the Soil Conservation Service from 1947 until 1978 in various counties while living in Atlantic and Audubon. Over the years, Dons son Dennis farmed with him and lived on the adjacent farm.

   Don enjoyed woodworking (whittling and making items for his family), caring for their garden and the fruit and berry orchard. He was active in the community, serving as president of the County 4-H Association as well as being a 4-H Leader. He was a member of the United Methodist Church; a 56 year member of Lions Club where he served as District Governor; and a 58 year member of the American Legion where he served as Commander. Don also delivered the Des Moines Register and Tribune for many years. In his spare time, Don thoroughly enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles.

   After his retirement from the SCS in 1978, Don and Esther moved back to the family farm south of Coon Rapids. When Dons health began to fail, his wife cared for him at home for several years. Then, in August 2004, he became a resident, of the Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids where he died on Thursday, February 8, 2007, at the age of 89 years, 6 months and 21 days.

   Preceding him in death are his parents; two sisters Claire, in infancy, and Leila, at age 3 years; and five brothers Harold, in infancy, Claude, Floyd, Paul and Leon Betts.

   He is survived by his wife Esther Betts of Coon Rapids; son Dennis Betts and wife Joyce of Coon Rapids; and daughter Judy and husband Lyle McClellan of Coon Rapids; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers John Betts and wife Betty of Indianola and Warren Betts and wife Elaine of Cassville, MO; two sisters Freda Luckinbill of Branson, MO, and Verona Matta of Hamilton, MT; two sisters-in-law Karen Betts of Quincy, IL and Vi Betts of Buck Grove; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

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