Hobart Lynn Betz

Hobart Lynn Betz was born Monday, December 3, 1923, in Osawatomie, Kansas. He was the son of Frank Horn and Florence Estelle (Needham) Betz. A near lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident, he made his home in Rantoul, until his death Friday, July 22, 2005, at the age of eighty-one years. Hobart attended school in Liberal, Kansas, and Bucklin, Kansas. He worked at Town & Country Supply in Ottawa for thirty-five years. Hobart served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War in the 1648th Engineering Utilities Detail, attaining the rank of Technician 4th Class. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Medal, European Theatre Medal, and a Bronze Star. He was a fifty-eight year member of Lane Masonic Lodge #339, A.F. & A. M., and twenty-three year member of Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He served on the Board for Rural Water District #6, Rantoul Community Center Board, and Central Heights U.S.D. 288 School Board. Hobart was a genuine people person. He was an open, accepting, loving, honest man with good work ethics. He liked to farm, loved to dance, and also enjoyed cooking. He made a 'wicked' Army stew and delicious plum butter. Hobart was totally devoted to his family, a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, who will be missed by all, especially, his wife. On February 21, 1948, Hobart was united in marriage with Esther June Hicks in Rantoul, Kansas. They celebrated fifty-seven years of marriage. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Michael Lynn and Sherian Betz of Topeka, Kansas, son, Stephen Hobart Betz of Lawrence, Kansas; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Lynn Benton of Paola, Kansas, daughter, Katherine Williams of Rantoul, Kansas; sister, Faith James and her husband, Albert, of Lane, Kansas; brother, Bart Betz and his wife, Connie, of Deming, New Mexico; sister-in-law, Nadine Peters of Ottawa, Kansas; eleven grandchildren; one step-granddaughter, seven great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Betz at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Monday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Tuesday evening. CEMETERY: Lane Cemetery, Lane, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Central Heights Scholarship Fund or Ruhamah Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through www.dengelmortuary.com.