F. Bettis

F. Clay Bettis, 72, of Humboldt, Kansas, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2015, at his home. Clay was born in Kansas City, KS on October 10, 1943 to Burke A. and Marybelle (Jacks) Bettis. He grew up in Piper, Kansas, attended Piper Elementary School and graduated from Piper High School in 1961. After graduation he became an oiler for his father on heavy construction equipment. At that time he learned to run equipment and that became his life's work. He eventually became a construction superintendent for Eby Construction. As an operating engineer and superintendent he worked in Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Colorado and Arizona. He was a 53 year member of the Hoisting and Portable Equipment Local Union 101, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. During his career as an operating engineer, he achieved the skill of working on the largest complex cranes in the area. He was known as an outstanding heavy equipment operator. During his life in Piper, he was instrumental in helping create the Prairie Township Fire Department where he worked on fire equipment and served as a volunteer fireman. He loved and enjoyed animals. He rescued many greyhounds in the area. Through the years he adopted many stray dogs and cats providing a loving home for them. His first wife was Myra Swenson. They were divorced and she preceded him in death in November 2013. On October 27, 1987, he married Leanna (Smith) Wolken. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his children, daughters Robin (Bettis) Novak & husband, Tim of Boling Springs, SC, and Cheryl Bettis of Kansas City, KS; his sons, James Brinkman & wife, Janette of Chanute, KS and Albert Bettis & wife, Eva of Bonner Springs, KS. He is also survived by his brother, Burke R. Bettis & wife, Judy of Shawnee, KS, and a sister, Carol Sheppard & husband, Lynn of Oskaloosa, KS. He has 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Frank Brinkman. VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 1:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Mount Hope Cemetery, Humboldt, Kansas MEMORIAL CHOICES: Castaways Animal Shelter of Chanute or the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .