Cotton Bettis

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles “Cotton” Bettis, age 89, Seneca, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

Cotton was born in Seneca, son of the late M.L. and Mabel Bettis. He graduated from Seneca High School and worked various jobs prior to beginning his career with Atlas Powder Company where he worked for over 32 years before retiring. He was also co-owner of C & W Auto Parts in Seneca with his son Wayne.

Cotton enjoyed working on the family farm, which he called the “Little Ponderosa”, tending to his cattle, watching deer, cutting wood, and keeping his fence rows clear.

He will be remembered by many as one of the kindest, most generous, and most honest people they ever knew. He was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church, and was strong in his faith.

In addition to his parents, Cotton was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dan Phyfer, three sisters, Dorothy Taylor, Mary Ellen Black, and Helen Kuhn; and a nephew, Larry “Butch” Kuhn.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Bonnie; daughter, LaVeta Phyfer of Williamsville, Missouri, son, Wayne Bettis and wife Monica of Seneca; grandson, Jesse D. Bettis and wife Brianna of Joplin; sister, Nancy Brown and husband Floyd "Jerry" of Cedar Hill, Missouri; nieces, Gloria Jean Hodson, Kathy Cameron (Jim), and Phyllis Davis; nephews, Jerry Black (Dottie), Tom Kuhn (Pat), and Denny Kuhn (Judy); several great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Friday, April 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Fred Mills and Rev. Ty Dawson officiating. Interment will follow in Seneca Cemetery with Charlie Jennings, Alan Loehr, Denny Fritchey, Rick Fritchey, Roger Chester, and Monty Duncan serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Friday at Bethel Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. until service time.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Teen Challenge of Neosho care of Parker Mortuary.