Born in Lynchburg on August 18, 1953 he was a son of the late Robert Bethel and Ruby Bethel. Jerome was a retired owner operator of Bethel Welding and a member of Popular United Methodist Church. He was an avid fisherman and sportsman who loved fishing, hunting and his lake family.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Stephanie Bethel.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a son, Jeremy Bethel of Amherst; a step-son Brandon Franklin of Amherst; three siblings, Carrie Davila and her husband Jose of Monroe, Beth Pierce and her husband Richard of Palmyra and Roberta Mays of Amherst; and Papa to Haley and Brandon "Little Man" Franklin.
A funeral service will be conducted 1:00 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with Pastor Jeremy Day officiating. Burial will follow in Amherst Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday, October 26, 2020 at Whitten Monelison Chapel.
In lieu of flowers family asked that you consider donating to the Amherst Humane Society or a local charity of your choice.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com.