Betts Lester

Lester Betts, 77, of Old Shawneetown, died at his residence Friday, August 25, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. Born December 1, 1928 to General Lee Betts and Bessie "Elizabeth" Rhyme. Lester had been a resident of Old Shawneetown since 1959. Lester and his wife, Winnie and family moved to Shawneetown with the Dick Holman Company. Lester pumped sand all along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers for more than fifteen years. Lester and Winnie owned and operated the Village Cafe' in Old Shawneetown in the earier years, and then the Frontier Lounge in Old Shawneetown. Lester retired form the UMWA construction workers. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter; Mary Ann. Lester is survived by wife Winnie of 58 years and two sons; Lester Jr. and Florence Betts of Texas, Robert Betts of Shawneetown; daughter Mary Ann's two sons who he raised as his own sons', Norman and Joanna Betts of Elizabethtown, IL; Nathan Betts of Shawneetown, IL. Two daughters; Winda and Michael Wenzel of Shawneetown ; Donna and Bill Hubbs of Shawneetown. Eight grandchildren and two great granchildren. Two brothers; L.D. Light of Texas, and a large number of nieces and nephews. Lester will be missed by many. Visitation, Sunday August 27, 2006, 5 to 8 p.m. with funeral services, Monday, August 28, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown. With Reverend Joel Gray officiating and burial will be at Westwood Cemetery.