Lloyd Bethel

(From Parker Mortuary)

Lloyd Ray Bethel, 88, of Joplin, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at Freeman Hospital. Lloyd was born August 7, 1926, in Bristow, Oklahoma, son of the late Arley and Margaret Little Bethel. Lloyd attended Mountain Grove High School. After graduating from high school in 1944, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp, serving in WWII. He attended Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri. After college, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Lloyd married Wanda L. Ramsey on March 13, 1954.

Upon finishing his duties with the military, he was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration in Kansas City, and later transferred to Joplin, Missouri, where he worked with the regional airports in support of the radar systems and electronics. He retired in 1976. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners. He also was active with the Boy Scouts for thirty years, receiving the Golden Sun Award and the Silver Beaver Award for his service and support to Scouting. He spent many days and weekends working with the boys at Frank Childress Scout Camp. He was of the Methodist faith.

Lloyd was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene Bethel and Eddie Bethel. Survivors include Lloyd’s wife Wanda, his daughter Julie Cox and her husband Fred Cox of Joplin, two grandsons, Graham Cox and his wife Brittany of Webb City, and Garrett Cox of Joplin, and a brother Bob Bethel and wife Fern of West Plains, Missouri.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, with Pastor Bob Dart officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary and Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Frank Childress Scout Camp, in care of Parker Mortuary.