James Bethell

James William Bethell, 97, of Aledo, died Friday, June 25, 2010 at Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. Services are 11 a.m. Monday, June 28, at Dennison Funeral Home, Aledo. Burial is at Aledo Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Aledo American Legion Fallerans Post 121 and Mercer County VFW Post 1571. Visitation is 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 27, at the funeral home. He was born Oct. 3, 1912, in Ripley County, Mo., the son of John L. and Alice Autry Bethell. He married Doris Lenore Kistler on May 3, 1941, in Aledo. Mr. Bethell farmed in the Aledo area and also sold seed corn for Moews. He served in the Air Force during World War II. Jim enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed his daily visits to the coffee shop. His memberships included Aledo American Legion and First Baptist Church, Aledo. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Doris Lenore Bethell, Aledo; daughter (and spouse), Gayle (Joost) Pont, Aledo; sons (and spouses), Jim (Connie) Bethell, Woodhull, Michael (Mary Jane) Bethell, Batesville, Ind., Philip (Linda) Bethell, Craig, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; He was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, five sisters and four brothers. Online condolences may be left at