Billy Bettge, Sr.

Billy George Bettge, age 90, of West, passed away late Friday evening, April 24, 2026 at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with The Very Reverend Will Straten and Rev. Walter Dhanwar as celebrants. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard.

Billy was born in Leroy, Texas, on September 15, 1935, the son of Edmund and Willie Mae (Schroeder) Bettge, His early education took place in Tours and West, where he laid the foundation for a life dedicated to hard work and integrity. On August 8, 1959, he married the love of his life, Annette Straten, also from Tours. Their love story flourished until her passing on July 4, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family and faith. A proud veteran, Billy served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1953 to 1957, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning home, he became a lifelong member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, where his faith was a guiding light in his life and a source of strength for all who knew him. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819. For 33 years, Billy and Annette owned and operated Bill's Grocery in Leroy, creating a gathering spot that served many families in the area. Before venturing into grocery sales, Billy spent more than 22 years with the Coca-Cola Company in Waco. Billy was a passionate outdoorsman who cherished the simple joys of life. Whether hunting, fishing, reading, playing horseshoes, or cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, he embraced moments spent with family and friends. Billy liked to gamble, taking many trips to Louisiana and Las Vegas. His zest for life and unwavering spirit will be dearly missed by all.

Billy is also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby, Kenneth, Francis, and Edmund Bettge; and sisters, Mary Dell Lauth and Margie Hatchel.

Survivors include his sons, Dale Bettge and wife Laura A, Raymond Bettge and wife Anna Jo, Billy Bettge Jr., and Allan Bettge and wife Laura J., all of West; grandchildren, Jaimie Charanza and husband Joey, Garrett Bettge, Jeremy Bettge and wife Melissa, Troy Bettge and wife Kayla, Kevin Bettge and wife Kenna, Tyler Joe Bettge and fiancé Breanne, Melinda Norton and husband Bryce, Aaron Bettge and wife Hannah, and Allana Scott and husband Allen; great grandchildren, Cooper, Carter, Kate, Jay, Easton, Rayni, Karaline, Stella, and Bailey; a sister, Doris Grones; a brother, Vernon Bettge; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Active pallbearers are Jeremy Bettge, Troy Bettge, Garrett Bettge, Aaron Bettge, Tyler Joe Bettge, and Kevin Bettge. Honorary pallbearers are Jaimie Charanza, Allana Scott, and Melinda Norton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Martin's Cemetery Association.