John Paul Betts Jr., of Lady Lake FL, age 85, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, in The Villages, FL. He was born on May 15, 1932, to John Sr and May Betts in Granite City, IL.
He was a gifted athlete and attended Knox College in Illinois where he played varsity baseball and basketball. It was also at Knox College where he met the love of his life, Patricia Weeks from Elgin IL. After college John joined the Army where he played baseball and taught recruits basic reading, writing, and math skills. When Patricia graduated college, the pair wed on June 12, 1956 in Elgin, IL. After the Army, John held various teaching positions in Homewood, IL, eventually becoming a principal. He had a passion for teaching and developing young people. He possessed unlimited patience and a quick sense of humor.
John loved all sports. He was always pitching softball, bowling with Patricia, or playing tennis and golf with his sons. He also just loved being outdoors – hiking, camping, canoeing, bird watching, and enjoying the peace and beauty of nature.
John retired to the good life in Lady Lake, FL in 1986. He played softball until his stamina gave out, but then took up coaching. Known as “Dirt” to his buddies (for being “as old as dirt”), he also golfed and enjoyed discussing sports, news, and telling jokes with everyone.
Friends and family will remember John for his selfless care of Patricia, good-natured teasing, and entertaining stories. John would be honored to everyone who raises a cold one in his memory.
John is preceded in death by his wife of over 58 years Patricia Ann (Weeks), son Michael A. Betts, and parents John and May (Atchison) Betts. He is survived by two sons David M (Donna) of Lombard, IL, and Steven A (Yvonne) of Phoenix, AZ, three grandchildren Leo, Lucas, and Elouise, and special friends Holly France (mother of Elouise) and Doreen Dinardo.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer at his lake home in Indiana.