Roll Call Tribute

Schrader Funeral Homes & Crematory obituary

Zack F. Bettis
April 2, 1927 - July 7, 2013

Bettis, Zack F., of Town and Country, MO, died July 7, 2013. He was born April 2, 1927, in Blanket, Texas, the son of Harry M. and Elizabeth D. Bettis and grew up in Olney, Texas. He married Kathryn "Kay" Lee on July 2, 1949. She preceeded him in death January 19, 2005. He is survived by his four children, Zack F. (Karen) Bettis Jr., Gail B. (Richard) Ford, Elizabeth B. (Charles) Yeargain and Kathryn Bettis, as well as his sister, Ann Enloe, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Besides his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Harry M. Bettis Sr. Mr. Bettis attended Texas A&M and North Texas State before receiving his Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri in 1949. Prior to attending college he served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Coast Guard. From 1952 until his retirement in 1990 he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone (AT&T). His last job there was Assistant Vice President-Labor Relations as the primary negotiator for Southwestern Bell on labor contracts with the unions. Between golf games, after retirement, he and other telephone retirees would meet every other Wednesday for breakfast at Uncle Bill's. Mr. Bettis had been active in educational and civic affairs by serving as member and past president of the State Board of Education, the Parkway School District and the St. Louis Conference on Education. He was also a member of the UMSL Downtown Advisory Board, past chairman of the St. Louis University Public Relations Advisory Council, board member of Washington University Human Resources Management Advisory Board and Vice Chairman, board of Trustees, St. Louis Blue Cross Association. He was a faithful member and supporter of Manchester United Methodist Church from 1985 until his death. In spite of these demands of his time, he always put his family first and will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity by his children, grandchildren and friends. Services: Funeral service at Manchester United Methodist Church, 129 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, Thursday, 2:00 p.m. Interment Manchester Methodist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Alzheimer's Assn., 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132 or the charity of your choice. Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Wednesday 4-6 p.m. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.