William E Betts Sr.

William E. Betts, Sr., age 73, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at his home.   He was born August 21, 1944 in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Cleo and Jean (Hughes) Betts. He graduated from Garnett High School and Emporia State University with a double degree in Music and Speech and acquired his Class C license in Radio Broadcasting as well. William married Mary Lou Barber in 1968 at Emporia, Kansas; this union was blessed with three children, Bill, Heidi, and Mike. They later divorced. He then married Lori McIntyre in 1987 in Portland, Oregon. William adopted Lori's children, James and Amber in 1993. William was an eccentric and very loving man. He had many jobs in his lifetime and many hobbies. William was a very intellectual man. Knowing a lot about a plethora of things. He was always seeking knowledge from books. Collecting books on Astronomy, Trains and Music. He loved puzzles, drawing and making people laugh. He was a loving father, grandfather and friend. He never met a stranger that he did not make his friend. William was very religious, but his sense of humor and musical abilities were what he is most remembered for. William played many instruments in his lifetime. His love of music including all genres. He could sit down and play you any song you ever wanted to hear on his keyboard so beautifully that it would bring you to tears then make you laugh so hysterically that you could not breathe. William will be missed by many. William was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Heidi Betts on August 5, 2011; and son, William E. Betts Jr., on May 17, 2013. He is survived by one son, Michael W. Betts and wife Jennifer of Topeka, Kansas; adopted son, James Betts of Garnett, Kansas; adopted daughter, Amber Betts of Austin, Texas; one sister, Barbara Voeltz and husband Richard of Lincoln, Nebraska; ten grandchildren, Josh Betts, Brady Henderson, Joey Henderson, Chad Betts, Cameron Betts, Todd Orester, Tina Hunt, Travis Betts, Leandra Pahmahmie, Rachel Ellis, and Marley Betts; six great grandchildren; and several others he had considered family. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to William Betts Memorial Fund to be established at a later date. You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .