Robert "Bob" Betts

Bob Betts, 83, of Springfield, IL, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, July 8, 2011 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born September 7, 1927 in Springfield, the son of Clyde and Marie Kerske Betts. He married June Smith on July 24, 1953.
He is survived by his wife, June; three daughters, Kathi (Bob) Walbert, Connie Cottingham and Kristi Sperry (Fiance: Mark Thomeczek); six grandchildren, Alvey Walbert (companion: Jessica Gentry), Courtney (Chris) Holland, Andy Walbert, Nick Sperry, Kayla Cottingham and Amber Sperry; one great grandchild, Kat Walbert; two sisters, Donna (Phil) Collins and Dorothy Bridgwater; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Donal Bridgwater.
Mr. Betts proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII and continued his service in the Naval reserves for four years following the war. Bob also was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham and Route 66 Cruisers, and was a life member of the Elks Lodge. After working for 38 years, Bob retired in 1987 as an Electrical Engineer from CWLP. During his years of retirement, he enjoyed vegetable and rose gardening, fishing in the Ozarks, and having coffee each morning with his friends.
Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home with Reverend Clarence Rogers officiating.
Interment will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham or St. John’s Hospice.
The family of Mr. Betts wishes to express a special thank you to the staff at St. John’s Hospice. We greatly appreciate the gentle care you provided for Bob.