Obituary of Arnold Alvin Bethke

Arnold Alvin Bethke, 77, of Colmesneil passed away April 9, 2016. Born October 8, 1938 to Edna and Alvin Bethke of Ireland, Texas he moved to Colmesneil in 2005. He was a member of the Bethel Methodist Church of Ireland, Tx and served in the U. S. Army. Arnold retired from Texaco Oil in Port Arthur and Strategic Petroleum Reserve Big Hill in Winnie, Texas. He married Mary Ross on July 11, 1992 and spent many wonderful years hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking and tinkering with many projects. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge and memories with his grandchildren. Arnold is survived by his loving wife, Mary Bethke; children, Aaron and Susan Bethke of Hamshire, Michael and Kim Dickerson of Dayton and Michelle Barker of Huntsville; sisters, Helen Badley of Waco, Ruby and Charles “Charlie” Y’Barbo of Lufkin, Ella Mae and Charles Kroll of Jasper; grandchildren, Courtney Bethke, Katie Bethke, Cullen Barker and Taylor Barker; two aunts, three nephews, three nieces and a host of other family members and friends. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at 2 pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Milton Powers and Brother Doyle Cowart officiating. Burial will follow at Gregory Cemetery near Colmesneil. Visitation was held Tuesday from 6 – 8 pm at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers were Randall Kroll, Kent Kroll, Bobby Scoffield, Robert James, Kenny Franklin and Steve Furgenson. A memorial book may be signed at www.rileysfuneralhome.com. Services are held under the direction of Riley Funeral Home of Tyler County.