Marion King Betts

WESLACO - WESLACO - Marion K. Betts Jr. was born in Okolona, MS on July 6, 1920 to Marion King Betts Sr., and Nona Mae Fowler Betts. He moved with his parents to Weslaco, TX in 1926 where he attended Weslaco Schools, graduating in 1938. He attended Baylor University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1942. While attending Baylor, he was a member of the Baylor Golden Wave Band and Delta Sigma Pi, men's business fraternity. After graduation, he began working for Pan American Airways, soon enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force Band at Waco Army Airfield. From Waco, he was transferred to Goodfellow Airfield in San Angels. After his discharge from the Air Force in March of 1946, he retired to Miami Florida to work for Pan American World Airways. From there he was transferred to Guatemala City Guatemala as a Junior Airport Manager. In August of 1946 he retired to Texas to marry his college sweetheart, Georgia Nell Russell of Henderson, Texas. After working for PAA in Guatemala one year and Panama City, Panama six months he returned to Weslaco to take over his father's business, The Magnolia Gas & Oil Company. The Magnolia Gas & Oli Company later became Mobil Oil, and then Betts Oil and Butane. After selling the business in 1980 he continued to work there. Later he worked for Thurmond Eye Associates, Builders Square of McAllen and Mission Petroleum Carriers of San Benito. M.K. was an active member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School General Secretary and sang in the sanctuary choir. He was a member of the Weslaco Kiwanis Club having served as Secretary and President. He served as assistant Scout Master for the Kiwanis Troop and assistant coach of the Kiwanis Little League baseball team. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife. Survivors include a son, Ronald Dean Betts, and wife Delorie, two grandsons, Ryan and Kevin Betts all of Houston, TX. Also, a brother Doyle Betts of Houston, two sisters, Frances Betts Fowler of Houston and Eva Mae Betts Hamilton and her husband Burt of San Marcos and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016, 10am at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Officiating the service is Dr. Rev. Steven K. Parker with First Baptist Church in Weslaco. Funeral arrangements are under the care of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.