Loren L. "Bob" Betts

Loren L. "Bob" Betts, longtime resident of El Paso, Air Force Veteran, Instrument Rated Pilot, businessman, father, grandfather, and friend passed away Sunday, January 12, 2014. Bob was born on February 5, 1929 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Loren Betts and Vivian Wisrock Betts. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force where his love for flying was born. Bob spent over 50 years pursuing his passion for flying, promoting general aviation, and sharing his love for flying with his sons and many others.

Bob was Past President of the Organization of Flying Adjusters, Texas Independent Insurance Adjusters Association, El Paso Aviation Association, and El Paso Claims Association. He also held membership in the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters, Society of Air Safety Investigators, International Adjusters Association, AOPA and EAA. In addition, he was a Master Mason at Five Points Lodge.

After serving as a Lt. in the U.S. Air Force, Bob attended the University of Miami, where he was an officer in the Air Force ROTC. In 1952, Bob returned to Ft. Worth and enrolled in Texas Christian University where he completed his education, receiving his Bachelor's of Science in 1955.

He began his career as an Insurance Adjuster in Carlsbad, N.M., spent a number of years managing offices in Carlsbad, Hobbs and Albuquerque, N.M. before moving to El Paso and establishing Betts and Associates Inc., specializing in aircraft accident investigation. Bob's business grew to include his sons, Robert and Patrick, along with many other employees.

Bob is preceded in death by his son, Patrick. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Etheridge, (Randy Etheridge), son Robert Betts, and grandchildren: Allison (Brian), Cole (Heather), Thomas, Matthew, Courtney, Jenny Ann, Jacob, Tim III, Desirae, Meagan, Mason and Keegan. Great-grandchildren Kelsey & Blake.

Services:

Visitation, Thursday, January 23rd, 5:00 - 9:00 pm - Martin Funeral Home West

Memorial Service, Friday, January 24, 11:30 am - St. Marks UMC

An entombment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. (gifts.mdanderson.org)

Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com.