Betts, Warren Edgar 1923-2009

BETTS, CRANDALL, BOWMAN

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/24/2009 at 12:05:34

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, March 24, 2009

Cassville, Mo., resident Warren Edgar Betts went home to be with our loving and caring Lord Jesus Christ at 11:45 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the age of 85 years and 7 months.

He was born July 15, 1923 in Guthrie County, Iowa, the son of Charles Franklin and Ena Pearl (Crandall) Betts. Warren had eight brothers and three sisters.

Warren was united in marriage to Elaine Marie Bowman on May 20, 1951, at Greenbrier Methodist Church, Greene County, Iowa, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years. To this union was born seven children.

Warren graduated from Guthrie Center High School, Guthrie Center, in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater where he earned several awards, including the Southwest Pacific Medal with 2 Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Expert Infantry Badge. He was discharged in 1946 as a corporal in the Army.

Following his discharge, Warren farmed, worked in a sheet metal factory and worked road construction. In 1961, Warren went to work for the US Soil Conservation Service. From 1967-1978, he worked out of the Le Mars SCS office. Warren retired after 30 years of service with the US Soil Conservation Service in January 1988 as an engineering technician. He supervised the building of three of the largest water shed dams in Iowa. He loved his work.

Warren was on the executive board of the American Legion in Iowa, a member of the American Legion Post No. 118 of Cassville, Mo., and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Iowa.

He was a lifelong member and loved the people of the First United Methodist Church, serving as president of the Board of Trustees, leader of the MYF, Administrative Board and Missions Committee. Warren and Elaine were vice president of the Le Mars Community High School Band Parents in the 1960s. Warren was awarded the "Employee of the Month" plaque in December 1977 by the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce. Warren was a member and loved the people of the Golden Harvest Club in Cassville, Mo.

Warren is survived by his loving wife Elaine (Bowman) Betts of Cassville, Mo., a daughter Linda (William J.) Buckingham of Muncie, Ind., a son Don (Sally) Betts of New Hartford, a daughter Lila (CSM (Ret) Dean) Kolker of Rolla, Mo., a daughter RieVon Betts of Rolla, Mo., a daughter Rita (John) Tyson of Superior, Wis., a daughter Darla (Dr. J. Patrick) Otto of Tulsa, Okla., and a daughter Loa (J. Allen) Osborne of Waxhaw, N.C. Warren is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren (two more expected in 2009); a brother John C. Betts and wife Betty of Indianola; a sister Freda Luckinbill of Branson, Mo.; three sisters-in-law, Esther Betts of Coon Rapids, Vi Betts of Buck Grove, and Karen Betts of Ursa, Ill.; several nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and a host of wonderful friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters Leila and Verona; brothers Claire and Harold in infancy, and brothers Claude, Floyd, Donald, Paul, and Leon Betts.

Donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Cassville, MO, food pantry in remembrance of Warren E. Betts.