Bethel P. McElroy passed away on August 23, 2022, in Sterling, Kansas, at
the age of 91. He was born to Irving and Mina (Forgy) McElroy in Palco,
Kansas, on December 2, 1930. Bethel was united in marriage to Bonnie
McClellan on June 2, 1951, at the Palco United Methodist Church in
Palco, Kansas. To this union, four sons were born: Rod, Mickie, Jim and
Larry.
Bethel grew up in Palco and graduated from Palco High School in
1947. Following high school, he worked at his in-laws’ company,
McClellan Chevrolet until he went into the United States Army in 1951.
Bethel was honorably discharged in 1953 and the couple moved to a farm
near Palco on the Red Line before moving into town to raise their sons
in 1957. He spent his years tending to his wheat and milo fields and
raising his black angus cattle with his family. He also custom harvested
for a stint. Bethel enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. In
addition to outdoor activity, he loved playing pool or snooker, and
played in many team tournaments. With his love of sports, he attended
many of his grandchildren’s high school events, and he was a Chiefs and
K-State football fan. In his later years he made it a priority to travel
to Texas and Ohio to visit his grandchildren. He was a member of the
Hill City VFW, United Methodist Church in Palco, and the Masons.
Bethel was a man of great character, strong values, and deep love
for his family and friends. Although he will be greatly missed, his
love and influence will remain in the hearts and lives of all of us. May
Bethel’s legacy inspire each of us to encourage one another, cherish
the ties that bind, and live to serve God, Home, and Country everyday of
our lives.
He is survived by his sons, Rod (Jolene) McElroy of Wheelersburg,
OH, Mickie (Glenda) McElroy of Logan, KS, Jim (Bonnie) McElroy of
Sterling, KS, Larry (Shirley) McElroy of Lake Jackson, TX; thirteen
grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and six
great-great-grandchildren.
Bethel joins in his heavenly home, his parents, Irving and Mina
McElroy; wife, Bonnie McElroy; and siblings, Warren McElroy, Herbert
McElroy, Irma Rech, and Norma Talbert.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Palco.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may
be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St.,
Plainville, KS 67663.