Robert E. ( Bob ) Bethards, 90, passed away on October 28, 2020 with family by his side. He was born April 4, 1930 in Fond du Lac, WI to Robert and Sara Bethards. 

He grew up in Janesville, WI and graduated from Milton College in 1953. That same year he married Norma Lorraine Deets and moved to Milwaukee, WI where he began his 37 year career with the JC Penney Company. He was later transferred to Chicago, then Champaign, IL and finally to Mt. Carmel in 1965. Bob was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Ainad Temple of Shriners, BPOE 715 Elks, and was a 50 year member of the Rotary Club. He loved the City of Mt. Carmel and devoted much of his retirement to serving it as a member of the Wabash General Hospital Board, the Wabash Valley College Foundation Board, and the Mt. Carmel Police and Fire Commission. He particularly enjoyed the time spent with family and friends at their Mesa Lake house from 1973-1981. He was very proud of his three children and five grandchildren. 

Bob is survived by Norma, his wife of 67 years, Ann ( Randy ) Burgess, Robert E. Jr. ( Pam ) and Bill Bethards.  Grandchildren include Amy and Emily Zanetis, Elliot Sides ( Lindy ) Evan Bethards and Jesse Bethards. Great grandchildren include Nicholas and Addy Sides. 

According to Bob’s wishes, he will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Wabash General Hospital.