Wayne Forrest Bethel

Wayne Forrest Bethel

Wayne Forrest Bethel was born May 20, 1930, to Albert Lee and Virginia May (White) Bethel in Wagoner, OK, and died November 7, 2022, at his propane business, Bethel Oil Co., established by his father in the 40s. He graduated high school in Graham, TX, and attended OU and Hardin-Simmons University. A pioneer in the propane industry, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA). Wayne worked for several oil companies selling wholesale gas and worked part time installing propane conversions on vehicles for the family business. He retired from SunGas in 1983 and later assumed management of Bethel Oil. He loved fudge and Fudgesicles, eating lunch with friends at local cafes, fast American cars, nice suits and was an avid coin collector. He especially enjoyed time spent on the motocross circuit with his son, Charles, who inherited his mechanical acumen, but preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughters, B’Linda Bethel, Phyllis Zimmerman, Laurie Reed & husband, Jeff; grandchildren, Wayne Zimmerman & wife, Jennifer; Ginny Anderson & husband, Blane; Blake Barbee; Brock Barbee; Avery Duke Bethel; two great-grandsons and his faithful canine companion, Elvis.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 12, from 2 to 4 PM at Bell-Cypert-Seale funeral home in Snyder, TX. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the WASP Museum, 210 Avenger Field Rd., Sweetwater, TX, 79556 or a favorite charity.