David Warren Bethel

David Warren Bethel, age 79, of Jacksonville, died peacefully at Mayo Hospital on April 23, 2026. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who were instrumental in ensuring his last days were filled with love and peace.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 13, 1946 as the only child of his parents, Marshall Taylor Bethel, Jr. and Alicia Katherine Prescott. He graduated from Upper Moreland High School in Willow Grove, PA in 1964 and joined the United States Navy to serve in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968, ultimately stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. After discharge and living in Pennsylvania, he moved to Miami, Florida, where he became a Police Officer with Miami-Dade County. While serving with Miami-Dade PD, he worked with Narcotics and K-9 units and subsequently enjoyed working with military and police dogs. He rejoined the Navy in 1977 and began his international duty station tours. He was stationed in NAVSTA Guam and NAVSTA Naples, Italy, where he became a Master at Arms and Military Investigator. Additionally, he was an Expert Rifleman and Pistolshot. While in Guam, he obtained his Bachelors degree in Criminology from the University of Guam. He returned stateside in 1987 and was stationed at NAVSTA Mayport. He served on the USS Spruance during Desert Shield and Desert Storm and was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal. He then retired in 1994 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He married Anita Edquiban Felts, on October 26,1996, who remained steadfast in her care and love of David for the rest of his life.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, stubbornness, and his love of working dogs. He enjoyed bingo at NASJAX in his later years and loved yelling BINGO as loud as humanly possible (which was a feat for a relatively quiet man). He also enjoyed 3-card poker, bowling, fishing, and spending time with his wife.

He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Kristy Anne. He leaves behind a devoted wife, Anita; his child, Sawyer (Emily) of Boston, MA; his stepson Christopher (Eddie) of Birmingham, AL; and extended family, friends, and shipmates.

Interment will be determined at a later time at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, play a game of bingo and WIN.