William H. Bethel was born on November 29, 1943 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to William Lee Bethel & W. Jean (Cornett) Bethel. He passed from this life on July 18, 2009 at his home in Beggs, Oklahoma at the age of 65 years, 7 months & 19 days.

"Bill" was a longtime, well-known and respected man that had lived most of his life in this area. He was proud to have served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1999 as a mechanic supervisor for American Airlines but he never really retired. He was a minister for the Sonrise Community Church and also drove a school bus for the Glenpool School District. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Beggs Masonic Lodge. He loved playing golf, fishing, hunting and singing in gospel quartets and for the Glory River Singers. He was a great man that will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He married Betty Joyce (Judkins) Bethel on April 26, 1963 at the Duck Creek Church in Liberty Mounds. She went to Heaven a little earlier than Bill on August 10, 2008.

He is survived by 1 son; Bill D. Bethel and wife Tina, of Liberty Mounds, 1 daughter; Michelle Hill and husband Warren, of Glenpool, 1 brother; Phil Bethel of Jay, OK, 2 sisters; Beverly Cook of Beggs & Karen Ritz of Tahlequah, 5 grandchildren; Jennifer Smith and husband Kyle, Jessica Bethel, Janelle Bethel, Kaylie Hill & Amy Hill as well as three sisters-in-law and other relatives and friends.

Casket bearers are Bill D. Bethel, Warren Hill, Kyle Smith, Carey Don Rouse, Steve Ennis & Darrell Atwell. Music will be provided by the Glory River Singers.