William "Bob" Robert Bettes

William "Bob" Robert Bettes passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on April 13, 1948, to Walter and Martha Bettes in Clarksville, Texas, Bob was a law enforcement officer of the highest integrity and talent, a devoted husband, a loving father, an enthusiastic grandfather who hosted “Camp Pappy” each summer for his three grandchildren, a lover of music, a passionate fisherman, avid golfer, and an amateur painter.

Bobby Bettes was the perfect blend of athlete, strategist, and fun-loving adventurer as a young man. After graduating from Alamogordo High School in New Mexico, he enlisted in the US Navy, trained as a medic, served as a “Corpsman” at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, and even had the honor of driving in the motorcade for President Richard Nixon's Inaugural Parade in 1969.

While working as a lifeguard at the Officer's Club Pool, he met his future wife Julia Louise Swacker, whom he married soon after meeting. Bobby and Julie welcomed their only son Robert “Robby” Bettes in March, 1970.

Bobby moved his family to Las Cruces, New Mexico later that year and attended New Mexico State University. He was sworn in as a police officer for the Albuquerque Police Department and began a long, distinguished career as a patrol officer, detective, and inspector. “I can't believe I get paid to kick in doors and have so much fun,” Bob told his friends. First responder: On November 27, 1971, while on patrol in south Albuquerque, Bob was the first officer on the scene of an airline hijacking. Three wanted fugitives hijacked a Boeing 727 and demanded to be flown to Cuba. Officer Bob Bettes found some mobile stairs, pushed the stairs up to the door of the aircraft, and was ascending the stairs to confront the hijackers when suddenly the FBI began pulling him back. “Thank you, officer, we'll take it from here.” As a detective for APD, he conducted "Operation Gooseneck" in 1976, where he went undercover in a storefront sting operation to solve the burglaries of large tractors and heavy equipment. Bob and his colleagues recovered over $250,000 worth of stolen property. Bob Bettes still holds the record for longest high-speed police chase in Albuquerque history.

Bob stepped away from police work for a few years when he purchased a bowling alley in Bosque Farms, just south of Albuquerque. Bob and Julie divorced in 1980.

In 1981, Bob married Karen King, one of the first female officers in the Albuquerque Police Department. When told by his sergeant that he would be training one of these new female officers, he protested most firmly!! But an order is an order! Bob trained Karen, grew to respect her as a fellow officer very much, became good friends, and would later become husband and wife. Bob and Karen were wed in 1982.

Bob returned to law enforcement in 1983 as a manager for the Rocky Mountain Information Network, a multi-state law enforcement support agency that provided funding, equipment, and inspection services to agencies throughout the Rocky Mountain states. Bob was transferred to Phoenix, Arizona in 1987 and separated from Karen.

During his tenure at R.M.I.N., Bob became close friends with Beverly. A close friendship blossomed into a full romance, and they were married on May 23, 1992.

In January 1995, Bob assumed a new role as an Inspector for the Arizona Department of Public Safety. He retired from DPS Arizona in 2003, putting to an end a long and distinguished career.

Bob is survived by his wife Beverly Bettes, with whom he shared nearly 34 cherished years. His memory lives on through his son, Robert, his daughter-in-law Amy Bettes, and his grandchildren, Mason Bettes, Mason's wife Jessica, William Bettes, and Corbin Bettes, his granddaughter. Bob's younger sister Patsy still lives in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

In his personal life, Bob loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. He also had a passion for welding, which he enjoyed whenever possible. Above all, Bob loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, and his country. He loved America, believed in the Constitution, was a tireless pursuer of justice, and felt deep compassion for victims, the needy, and those whom society left behind.

A funeral service to honor Bob's life will be held on January 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory, located at 15826 North Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351. Following the funeral, a committal service will take place from 11:00 am to 11:30 am at the same location in the Valor section of the cemetery.

Bob's legacy of devotion and inspiration will continue to be cherished by all who knew him. Bob was a deeply loved man and will be equally missed.