OBITUARY
Andrew Paul Betz
December 7, 1956 – June 12, 2013
Major Andrew Paul Betz, U.S. Army, (Ret.), died peacefully at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 7, 1956 in Syracuse, New York to Dr. Edward Betz and Joanna Wells Betz. Andy died at age 56, six months after being diagnosed with cancer.
Andy grew up in Glens Falls, New York, attending grade school at St. Alphonsus School where he served as an altar boy, and graduating from St. Mary’s Academy in 1974. He went on to attend the State University of New York at Brockport on the Betty Crocker Scholarship, transferring to Northwest Missouri State and graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture. After working on a farm in Arkansas, he joined the Army spending the next twenty years (and one day) serving his country. During his time in the Army, he earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. After many changes in location, he moved to Dripping Springs, Texas, during his final assignment at Ft. Hood. Upon his retirement from the Army, he had a short stint as an entrepreneur and then utilized his military training in procurement and supply chain management for the oil and gas industry.
A devout Catholic, he loved to attend Mass and provide smoked briskets and trimmings for parish feasts. He was very involved in the life of his seven children: coaching them and cheering for them in their athletic, academic, and religious training.
Andrew is predeceased by his father, Dr. Edward Betz and father-in-law, James Ford. He will be sadly missed by his mother, Joanna Wells Betz; mother-in-law, Norma Lee Ford; wife, Kimberly Betz; children, J’Kai, Andrea, Jessica, Katherine, Ella, Samuel, and Henry Betz; sisters, Olivia Lewis and Sister Marie Reginald; brothers, John and Carl Betz; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, June 14, 2013 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home with a Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 15, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 7815 Orland Park, San Antonio, Texas, 78213 with Father Stephen P. Zigrang, Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Andrew’s memory to St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Orland Street, San Antonio, Texas.
Services
- Visitation Friday, June 14, 2013
- Rosary Service Friday, June 14, 2013
- Funeral Mass Saturday, June 15, 2013
REMEMBERING
Andrew Paul Betz
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RECEIVE UPDATESThom Besch
February 3, 2014
Dear Kim,
I just learned of Andy's passing and I'm having a hard time registering this. Andy was a larger than life influence for me. As you know, he picked me up from the airport my first day in Panama. He was my sponsor in my first infantry assignment and truly set the standard and example of how a a professional officer should lead soldiers and be expert in his craft. I also enjoyed the example he set off duty living life to it's fullest, making friends and having adventures. My memories with him, (and you, Jaykee, and your Mom as roommates), later at Fort Ord, and then again while Joan and I were at UT Austin, are memories I'll cherish. He was like a brother to me. I loved him and truly miss him.
Thom, Joan and the boys (Rob, Will, Ben, and Sam)
Natalie Nugent
October 31, 2013
He lived a great life of service to others. It all started at St. Mary's academy. God bless the family especially the children.
Loren Gooding
July 10, 2013
I worked with Andy briefly in recent years, and my heart is broken in hearing of the loss of this great, great man. The world was a much better place with Andy in it. Wishing your family peace and comfort in knowing he will always be in your hearts, and the hearts of many. Blessings...
Jennifer Campbell
June 20, 2013
Kim, I just read Andrew's memorial. I am so sorry! Crossing paths with you guys over the past 16 or so years was ALWAYS wonderful as I could count on a warm greeting with glorious SMILES. I will hold you and your children in my daily prayers. "Those who die still live in our presence, Their lives change but do not end."
Laura Mertz
June 18, 2013
My dearest Kim and family,
Words cannot express my deepest sorrow for your loss. I am here if you need anything (I am back in DS). May peace and comfort surround all of you during this time of grief. Love always
June 18, 2013
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for comfort for you and all your family. He left quite a legacy and you all will miss him greatly....
Ruth Schmid(Austin,Tx)
Darlene Wilson
June 17, 2013
Kim and family,
I am so very sorry to hear you lost your rock your other half of the family pair. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the children through this difficult time - today and everyday. Please call me if you want to talk. Gods peace will prevail but pain does come and go. Love, Cookie
JoAnn Hernandez
June 15, 2013
Kim, please take comfort knowing that Andy cherished his family more than anything. May God watch over all of you.
Marsha Shortwebb
June 15, 2013
Kim, Andrea, Jessica and Family: You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your family was such a bright spot for us while we lived in Dripping Springs. We pray your family will grow tighter, your love stronger and that peace will come in the coming months and years. All our love, Paul, Marsha and the ShortWebb family
John O'Brien
June 15, 2013
Our prayers for Andy that he is in heaven and for his family. From all the O'Briens in Glens Falls and around the country.
Theresa Steele Cheney
June 15, 2013
I only knew Andy through stories shared by Ellen when we were in high school but you could clearly see he was a man who loved his family and was much loved in return. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Oscar Buitron
June 14, 2013
Kim, the Buitron's send their condolences to you and your family. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Andy. I know that I am not alone when I say that every time I visited with Andy, I always felt that when I walked away I would be a better person. A better husband, father and person. You could instantly feel how genuine he was. He was a great American! We will all miss him. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Pete, Leslie, and Jon Benoit
June 14, 2013
Kim, your family, and the Betz family are in our thoughts and prayers. I've known Andy since before we went to school. I remember our pretend parades in the neighborhood, our antics through k-12, visited each other in college, enjoying time with Kim, J'Kai when he was stationed at Ford Ord in Monterey CA, the toy camel he brought me when he was stationed in Kuwait. He always remembered my birthday and I am thankful that I got to speak with him last March. Andy made us smile, he made us laugh, he was not afraid of change but most of all he was my friend. I feel blessed to have known him and I will miss him.
Mark Regan
June 14, 2013
Andy and I went to HS together, he certainly lived life with exuberance - a life well lived. I always remember spending a couple days in MO with him while in college, what a wonderful unique individual. I'm sure he leaves a great void and many memories.
Mark Regan
Jamie Ferris
June 14, 2013
Kim, I am unbelievably sad to hear this news. My heart aches for you and your children. He was always so good to me. He was a good mentor to me. My family prays for your loss and rejoices thinking of him in heaven where he may truly feels God's love and no pain.
Matthew McDevitt
June 14, 2013
Andrew Betz was an exemplary Catholic. I would say that his vocation as husband and father was a complete success. He did a fine job founding and raising a devout Catholic family. May he rest in peace.
With prayers for his family,
Matthew
Donna Bradley
June 13, 2013
Kim, I know my devastation cannot compare to what you must feel. You are often in my thoughts anyway, and now there with an enormous presence for you and the kids. Hugs and strength my friend.
June 13, 2013
Kim our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. The news came as such a shock, we had no idea Andy was ill. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Andy will be missed by all.
Carol and Kevin Brown
Joanne (Lindstrand) Harwood
June 13, 2013
Prayers for all of you during this time. I went to school with Andy from K-12, and we were born on the same day....had a crush on him in grade school because of that...and he was a cute boy! I wondered what he had done with his life, and sorry I had to find out in this way. May happy memories grace your lives....
Kevin Armstrong
June 13, 2013
I knew Andy only a short time but he made a lasting impression on me. His faith, humility, patience and loving nature was incredible! He was such an amazing person and I will miss him terribly! Sympathy and love to his family.
Andrew Tkac
June 13, 2013
I was Andy's classmate at St. Mary's Academy. He was a never ending source of humor, wit, and unique perspectives. An individual, to be sure. My prayers for you, his family.
Michael Kalish
June 13, 2013
Andy made me want to be a better Catholic just by his simple and quiet example of living well. His last days were even more powerful to me than his healthy life. With love, Michael Kalish.
Mike and Melissa Burnes
June 13, 2013
Dear Mrs. Betz and family,
Mr. Betz was an amazing light in this world and he will be sorely missed. You all have our prayers and our love, and he will have both as well. May God Bless you and give you strength and peace.
June 13, 2013
Kim, our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Jim and Nickie Spencer
Mara Cardwell
June 13, 2013
God will give you strength as you go through this sorrowful time and give you peace knowing that Andrew is no longer in pain but instead in the arms of the Lord. All my love, Mara
The Simmons
June 13, 2013
Kim, sending prayers and enormous amounts of love to you, the girls and now the boys.
Old Friend
June 13, 2013
Father God in heaven, I submit myself fully to your Holy Spirit. I ask for your peace over Kim and her children. I ask that you surround them with your love. I know their hearts ache, I ask that you hold each one of them in your hand, touch that ache Father and begin the healing. I ask Father if there is a want or a need, that You make it be know to those who have open eyes. Keep this family on the tips of our tongues that we may lift them up to You. Father you are the Lord our God and You will never leave us nor forsake us. We Praise You and Bless You. You are the source of all Blessings. We don't understand this death but we will stand here because of who You are..the great IAM. Thank you Father for your Son and His gift of eternal life and I thank you that Andy accepted that gift. Again thank You, in the name of Jesus Amen
Elaine Garcia
June 13, 2013
Kim, sending our condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are with you.
Love, The Garcia Family,
Elaine, Norma, David and Max