Lester Betts

Lester Dean Betts, age 82, of McCook NE, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away on January 29, 2020 at Kearney Regional Health in Kearney, NE.

Lester was born to Martin and Elsie (Miller) Betts on May 13, 1937 in Dorrance, KS.  He was one of seven children who attended school at Dorrance.  Following high school, he played football at Dodge City Junior College.

Lester married Marilyn (Herbel) Betts on October 21, 1956.  The couple was blessed with two children; son, Leslie and daughter, Lorenda.  Lester enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country for two years, which included service on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga.  Lester spent all his life in the oilfields, working with Gore Oil Company until his retirement in 2000.  After retirement, he spent many years farming and raising cattle.

Lester was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in McCook.  He was also a lifetime member of the Russell V.F.W Post 6240 and the Heritage Antique Tractor Club.  One of his most memorable moments was when he was a player on the Dorrance High School State Championship Basketball Team of 1956.  Throughout his life, Lester enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Marvin, Athol, Leroy and Edward Betts; and his two sisters; Imogene Galliart and Verba Gilmore.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife of 63 years, Marilyn Betts of McCook; son, Leslie (Lorie) Betts of Dorrance, KS; daughter, Lorenda (Steve) Forbes of Beaver City, NE; five grandchildren, Jake, Krystle, Autumn, Nicole and Sarah; and five great grandchildren, Aiden, Noah, Amea, Kenya and Amelia.