- Date Of Birth: August 14, 1931
- Date Of Death: November 8, 2021
- State: Illinois
Donald Carl Betz, 90, of Galesburg, died at 1:15 a.m. Monday, November 8, 2021 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg. Don was born August 14, 1931 in Galesburg, the son of Carl Harvey and Winona Ilene (Bloomfield) Betz.
Don married Jenean Edna Witte on February 16, 1957 at St. Peters Evangelical Church in Kewanee.
Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jenean of Galesburg; one daughter, Michelle (Ron) Carrothers of Dunlap; one son, Michael (Kendra) Betz of Knoxville; two grandsons, Jacob Betz and Justin Betz; and grand dog Skittles.
Don graduated from Galva High School in 1949. He then attended the Curry School of Aeronautics in Galesburg, graduating in 1951 with an aircraft and engine degree and his federal pilots license.
Don joined the US Army in 1951 with the 44th Division. He served in Korea from 1952 to 1953, assigned to the I Core 3rd Light Aviation Company. He was honorably discharged from the Army in January 1954. After his discharge, Don went to work for the Caty Buick Garage in Galesburg. He started working at Burlington Truck Lines in the motor room in 1955 until 1974. While here Don served as secretary of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2063.
Don then drove for Admiral until 1980, when he went to work for Knoxville Leasing, until retiring in 1999 as the shop foreman. Don was proud of his military service and belonged to the VFW Post 2257 and the Knoxville American Legion Post 749.
Don had the privilege of flying on the honor flight with his son Michael as his escort. He was a good Christian man and was a member of Faith United Methodist Church of Galesburg, serving as a trustee.
Don was a 66 year member of Alpha Lodge No. 155 A.F.&A.M. Don loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could. He faithfully attended his grandsons school functions.
Don was extremely mechanically inclined, a trait he passed down to his son Michael. Don’s other passions included the railroad, traveling to RR museums and model railroading, working on and restoring antique cars, and cheering on the Cubs.
