Robert L. (Bob) Bethel

Funeral services for Robert L. (Bob) Bethel, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 20, 2018 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Bethel died 7:37 a.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at his home in West Plains.  He was born December 22, 1936 at Bristow, Oklahoma to Arley Bethel and Maggie Little Bethel.  On February 9, 1957, Mr. Bethel was married at Mountain Grove, Missouri to Fern Whitbey.  He was a former businessman and before his retirement, he had managed the Richards Brothers Dry Goods and Sporting Goods for twenty-seven years.  Mr. Bethel served his community for many years having been a member of the West Plains Downtown Association, West Plains Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Development Corporation.  He was an avid stamp collector, enjoyed doing yard work and loved his children and grandchildren. Mr. Bethel was a member of the First Baptist Church of West Plains.

He is survived by his wife, Fern Bethel, of the family home; two sons, Greg Bethel, wife, Tonya, Koshkonong, Missouri and Gary Bethel, wife, Tammie, Wentzville, Missouri; three grandchildren, Valla Bethel, Jason Bethel and Chelsea Bethel; one great-grandchild, Daygan; his sisters-in-law, Wanda Bethel, Estia Arnold and Mae Craig, husband, Bill; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and three brothers, Eugene, Lloyd and Eddie, preceded him in death.

Mr. Bethel will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, July 19th, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Interment will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the OMC Cancer Center or Gideon Bibles and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.