GREENVILLE, KY., William Keith Bethel, 75, of Greenville passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at The Medical Center of Bowling Green. He was born on October 27, 1948 in Mt. Vernon, IL, the son of the late William Paul Bethel and Lois Reed Bethel. He was a member of the Greenville United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir, was a trustee, and served on numerous committees. He was a retired UMWA coal miner for Peabody’s Gibraltar Coal Mines and continued to enjoy working part-time at Malone’s Lumber Company until his death. He was a member of Pond River Lodge #244, the Madisonville York Rite Bodies, Chapter 123, Madisonville Commandery Number 27 Knights Templar, A.E. Orton Council #93, Madisonville and Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, 32nd Degree.
He was a Navy Seabee veteran serving two tours in Vietnam.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years Peggy Walter Bethel of Greenville, 3 children William Christopher (Donna) Bethel of Murray, Dr. Allison (Dr. Patrick) Cleeton of Memphis, TN., and Dr. Samuel Bethel of West Columbia, SC., 3 grandchildren Breanna Bethel of Fairfax, VA., Walter and William Cleeton of Memphis, TN., 1 sister Guyla Bethel (Jeff) Heltsley of Greenville, 4 nieces, 2 great nieces, and 1 great nephew.
Visitation will start at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 29, 2024 at Greenville United Methodist Church until time of funeral at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenville United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Greenville United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Hester officiating where Masonic Services will be conducted at 1:30 PM.
Burial with military honors will be Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield, IL.