John Roy Betts

A Life Well-Lived

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Betts, who left us on March 4th, 2025 at the age of 84. John was a cherished member of our community, a loving family man, and a friend to many.

A Life of Dedication

John was born on April 5th, 1940, in Santa Monica. He dedicated his life to many pursuits, making a significant impact and earning the respect and admiration of his peers.

He dedicated his life to defending our country as a member of the United States Navy for twenty-seven years, enlisting on his eighteenth birthday. He enjoyed his time flying in the Lockheed P2V aircraft as a radar operator.

During a ten-year break from the service, in 1963 John sought employment with Deutsch Tools, contributing to several designs on NASA’s Apollo program. In 1965, he moved his family to Bishop, California to begin a twenty-one-year career with the Union Carbide Corporation as a Draftsman. In 1973, John decided to re-enlist in the Naval Reserves to continue his passion for defending our country. Over the years, he not only climbed the ladder at Union Carbide, moving into the management ranks, but was also commissioned to the rank of Chief Warrant officer in the Navy. John found time to contribute to the VFW, serving as Post Commander, became a board member for Round Valley School and served in the local Lion’s Club.

Due to an economic downturn, John and his family had to leave the beautiful town of Bishop in 1986 after living there for twenty-one years and relocate to Lancaster, California. John was reunited with his passion for aircraft by gaining employment at NASA in Edwards, California where he worked for several facility maintenance contractors.

John retired from his military service in 1995 and from his career at NASA in 2006 to settle down and enjoy life. He could always be found in town on the weekends roaming between yard sales. He also had a close niche of military friends that would meet at the local Carl’s Jr. Weekly for “Monday Morning Muster”.

Family and Friends

John is survived by his two sons Shawn and Craig, daughter Kathleen, Daughter-in-Law Ellen, Granddaughters Sasha and Sarah who will miss him dearly. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a steadfast friend to many. John will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, but mostly for his sense of humor who would greet everyone with a joke. John was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Wendy.

In Remembrance

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to John's heart.

We find comfort in knowing that John’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the memories we will forever hold dear.

Rest in peace, John. You will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.