Charles Betts

BETTS, Pastor Charles D. age 73 of Vandalia, passed away Wednesday July 18, 2007 following an illness. He was born January 12, 1934 in Providence, AR son of the late Jesse O. and Thamar Betts. Charles was a graduate of Senath High School; he received his Associate Degree from Hannibal LaGrange College, his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Missouri, and his Masters of Divinity Degree from Midwestern Theological Seminary. Charles also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Hannibal LaGrange University. He pastored in Missouri and Ohio for 49 years. Charles pastored the First Baptist Church of Vandalia for the past 31 years. He served as a Trustee for the Miami Valley Womens Center, he served in the Ministerial Association of Vandalia, and on the Board of Trustees for the Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO. He served on the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and was chairman for 2 years. He also served 2 years as President of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Charles was preceded in death by 3 siblings Omer Betts, Ruth Sellers and Mary Catherine Bowie. He is survived by his wife of 55 ½ years Shirley Joyce Betts, 2 sons Don M. & wife Linda Betts, T.J. & wife Ann Betts; siblings LaVerne Spence of Searcy, AR, Arenabelle Auten of Sparta, IL, Linda Gage of Jonesboro, AR, Dennis Betts of Liberty Twp, OH, and Carol Jean Gordon of Conway, AR; grandchildren Stephen, Timothy, Ashley, Joel, and John; great-grandchildren Madeline and Charles and numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 21 at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church 140 Elva Ct. Vandalia. Burial will follow at Polk Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church on Friday evening from 5 to 8pm and again on Saturday morning from 9am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pastor Charles Betts Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.