Obituary for Earl Betz

Ponca City Now - February 19, 2015 12:00 am

Earl Richard Betz of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Thursday, February 19, 2015, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital at the age of 83 years.

Earl Richard Betz was born on March 27, 1931, in Blackwell to Charles Richard and Olive Mary (Nicholson) Betz. He grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell Public Schools. He married Kay Prince on December 18, 1964, in Medford, Oklahoma, and they settled in Blackwell. For seventeen years he worked for Sober Brothers in Ponca City before working for the State of Oklahoma Transportation Department for twenty years, retiring in 1993. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and taking road trips with his family to various locations throughout the United States. He loved to work on old cars, especially Pontiacs. He also enjoyed drag racing in Arkansas City, Kansas, where he won several races. He was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Betz of Blackwell; four daughters, Sherry Cloke and husband Mac of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sandra Thomason and Jeff Duncan of Blackwell, Susan Stafford and husband Barry of Blackwell, and Donna Reid and husband Steve of Ponca City; three sons, Gary Betz and wife Angela of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Earl Betz Jr. of Blackwell, and Roger Betz and wife Wendi of Hunter, Oklahoma; fifteen grandchildren; and fifteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 21st in the First Free Will Baptist Church in Blackwell with Rev. Kevin Bookout officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.