Henry Farrell Bethany

Henry was born on November 26, 1931, in Seminole, Oklahoma. At the age of nine, he moved from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Burbank, California, where he attended school through his high school years. His family then moved to Visalia, California, where Henry attended Visalia Union High School. He lettered in football and track and graduated in 1950. He then attended College of the Sequoias, where he also competed in track and field.

In 1951, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Caroline Lena Michalk. Henry served his country in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. When he returned from the war, he brought the same dedication and work ethic to his career at Pacific Bell, where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 1991.

Outside of home and work, Henry was active in the 20/30 Club and was a faithful member of Visalia First Assembly of God Church. He became Commander of the Royal Rangers, a ministry for the youth of the church. He also taught College Sunday School classes and served as a church board member for many years. Henry served as Skipper of the Visalia Sea Scouts for 33 years, beginning in 1966. Additionally, he served on the board of the Visalia Rescue Mission. He co-founded the Open Door Coffee House street ministry and Turning Point Ministries. Henry was known by family and friends as a prayer warrior and was always willing to pray with anyone.

Henry and Caroline raised five children: Kathy Bethany Plett (John) of Denair, California; Floyd Bethany of Visalia, California; Debby Bethany Kumpe Fuller (Richard) of Visalia, California; Glendon Bethany (Dori) of Tehachapi, California; and Diana Bethany Niehenke (David) of Tulum, Mexico.

Henry has 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Caroline Lena Michalk Bethany; his father, Elmer Lee Bethany; his mother, Edith Saple Morris Bethany; his brother, David Allen Bethany; and his sister, Virginia Marise Bethany Brady.

Viewing: Wednesday, August 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Miller Memorial Chapel: 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, California

Graveside (Military) Service: Thursday, August 6, at 9:00 a.m.

Visalia Public Cemetery: 1300 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, California

Celebration of Life Service (Lunch Following): Thursday, August 6, at 11:00 a.m. Elevate Church: 1021 S. Burke Street, Visalia, California