William Beteet Jr.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Myrtle and William Beteet Sr., William Beteet Jr. lived a life marked by courage, conviction, and grace. He grew up in St. Louis alongside his sister, Linda, and his two brothers, Michael and Kenneth. Married to his devoted wife Susheela Beteet for 36 years.

A natural leader from an early age, he played football and joined the marching band at Soldan High School before answering the call to serve his country. As a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, he fought in Vietnam with distinction. After returning home, he pursued higher education studying at UCLA, earning his undergraduate degree from Webster College, and later receiving his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law.

William began his career practicing as a trial and appellate attorney, but William had a calling to go abroad, risking his successful career as an attorney he made the move to human resources. In the UK and Hong Kong, he worked in Human Resources for ARCO Chemicals, helping guide complex organizations with fairness and vision. He later returned to the practice of law in Texas, serving as Associate General Counsel for Lyondell until his retirement.

His professional life spanned borders and disciplines, but it was the integrity with which he lived that defined him. He met kings and counseled corporations, but he also quietly changed lives. He helped put children through school around the world, lifted burdens from strangers without seeking recognition, and often left waiters in tears with the size of his tip and the handwritten words of encouragement he wrote on the back of the receipt.

William was a devoted father to Tonya, Aria, Becky, William, Maya, and Mesha, and a loving grandfather to Christian, Cristina, Victor, Christopher, Jaden, Nate, Matthew, and Baby Shiloh. But beyond family, he was a spiritual father to many. Even from his hospital bed, he was concerned with how everyone else was doing, making sure that we knew he loved us all. Opening his home to many during transitional periods in their lives.

He lived as an agent of God, connecting those he met with futures fuller and brighter than they might have known without him.

To say he will be missed is too small. He was a good man in a world in need of more of them. But for now, God needed another Marine to help guard the streets of Heaven.