Robert L. Betts, Jr.

Robert “Bobby” L. Betts, Jr. relocated to heaven on Friday morning, July 8 with his wife, Rebecca (Robbins), of 34 years at his side at Hospice of Dayton Ohio. He leaves behind two stepsons who are his pride and joy – Clyde Justin Kilgore, serving in the JAG Corps of the US Army currently stationed with his wife Khin in Tucson Arizona, and Matthew Ryan Kilgore, percussionist extraordinaire, currently teaching at Wooster College and Bluecoats/DCI in Canton Ohio.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean Lett Betts, his father, Robert Betts, Sr., his sister Sandy and a brother, Jerry. Other close family members he will watch for at the Pearly Gates are children from previous marriages (Robyn, Michael, Nancy and Michelle) and all his sisters Terri (Thomas – husband Jon), Marcia (Gadd – husband Jake), Kathy (Crawford – husband James), Sue Anne (Straughter), and Toni (Watson) Betts.

Bobby was born in Barnesville, Ohio and grew up in Cambridge, Ohio among a large extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins. He always spoke fondly of his grandparents who lived across the road. After graduating from High School where he excelled in many sports, he attended University of Kentucky on a basketball scholarship.

He moved to Boston to play for the Celtics for a year and then joined the US Army for the next 6 years. He never saw combat except on the basketball court where, it is rumored, many generals enjoyed betting on his winning team.

His return to Ohio led him to Dayton and a 15 year career in management at General Motors Delco Moraine Plant. After an early retirement he spent time in California where he worked for Grumman Flexible. Returning to Ohio in 1984 he made his home in Columbus and met his wife, Rebecca. The two operated a professional maid service in Columbus and later expanded and moved to Dayton Ohio to make their permanent home.

Bobby enjoyed attending a variety of Christian churches in the Dayton Metro Area where he was always welcome and became a networker among many congregations, making many friends everywhere he and Rebecca went. Bobby loved to play golf and after semi-retirement from his business, spent many days with friends at Kitty Hawk and Community Golf Course in Dayton, Ohio. Bobby also loved all types of music, his favorite celebrity being Sinatra and his favorite song “I Did it My Way”.

Bobby never met a stranger and all who knew him loved his graciousness, class, and faith. He will be missed but all are comforted in that his faith in Christ and eternal life are secure.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be set to his home church, Life Pointe, 4555 Marshall Rd., Kettering, Ohio 45429.

Memorial service will be held on August 5 at Tobias Funeral Chapel, Far Hills Avenue. Visiting hours will be from 5-7:00pm, Thursday evening August 4. The Memorial service will be at 9:00am on August 5 with interment at the Dayton V.A. Cemetery following. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.