Obituary of Gene Louis Bethel

TALLMADGE - Gene L. Bethel, 90, died December 18, 2020. Born in Glennville, GA, Gene's family moved to Akron in 1933 and remained a life-long resident of the area. He was a graduate of Hower Vocational School and College of Advanced Traffic, retired as Traffic Manager of Goodyear Aircraft Braking Systems, and was a US Army veteran. He was an active member of Tallmadge United Methodist Church and PrimeTimers. He was Past Master of Adoniram Lodge #517 F&AM (now Star Lodge #187), a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Yusef-Khan Grotto. He enjoyed traveling, winters in Ft. Myers, but mostly family game nights where card competitions lasted into wee hours of the morning. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Fred L. Bethel, Ollie Mae (nee Ryals) Hanson, step-father Frank Hanson, and son Brad Bethel. He is survived by his wife and lifetime friend of 69.9 years, Yvonne (nee Smith), and beloved family; son Gary (Janice) of Cuyahoga Falls, daughters Bonnie (Walter) Morris of Uniontown, Debbie (Richard) Schmid of Tallmadge; daughter-in-law Tammy Bethel of Bainbridge Twp.; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was an inspiration to his many friends and family as he never lost his amazing memory or sense of humor through his pain. Friends may call Tuesday 11 AM at Redmon Funeral Home, Stow, where a Masonic service will be held at 12:40 PM and a funeral service following at 1 PM, Rev. Scott Low officiating. Face masks and social distancing required. Burial Tallmadge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Tallmadge United Methodist Church, 207 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge 44278.