Gerald Dean Bethel, 81, died January 18, 2018, at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita . Gerald was born February 25, 1931, at Great Bend, the son of Luther and Opal (Bryant) Bethel.

Gerald was united in marriage to Frances Miller on Oct. 8, 1961, in Great Bend.  Opal passed away March 23, 1999. Gerald, a long-time resident of Great Bend and a veteran of the United States Air Force, was a mechanic for Straub International.  He was a member of Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and enjoyed fishing, camping and woodworking.

Survivors include son, Jay Bethel and wife Sheila of Hays; daughters, Dianna Disque of Great Bend and Debbie Bethel of Salina; brother, Jim Bethel and wife Linda of Otis, Colo., and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother, Wylie, and sister, Roberta Michaelis.

Visitation will be 1 – 9 p.m. Sunday January 21, 2018, with family receiving friends 6 – 8 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday January 22, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Don Paden officiating.

A memorial fund has been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home