Lesley Wayne Betts

Lesley Wayne Betts was born October 17, 1945, in Atlanta, Texas, to Lesley and Rose Humphrey Betts. He graduated from Iowa Park High School with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, Lesley and friend/ future brother-in-law proudly joined the United States Marine Corps together, where they served six years, from 1966 to 1972.

One of the latest chapters of Lesley's life began with a familiar face from his past. He and his wife of nine years, Cookie, were classmates in the Iowa Park High School Class of 1964 and both remained proud Iowa Park alumni. After reconnecting at their 50-year class reunion, they began a new chapter together that brought nine wonderful years of companionship, love, and adventure.

Lesley and Cookie shared a love of traveling and exploring new places. Together, they traveled throughout the United States and enjoyed memorable trips to Hawaii and Europe. Some of their happiest adventures, however, were spent on the road in Lesley's beloved 1957 candy apple red Thunderbird, affectionately known as "57 Crush." Lesley was an avid T-Bird enthusiast, and the couple loved attending car shows together, where their beautiful Thunderbird earned numerous top honors. The miles traveled, friendships made, and memories shared along the way were a special part of their life together.

Lesley's love of collecting extended well beyond classic cars. In his younger years, he was an avid motorcycle collector, traveling throughout the United States and Canada in pursuit of his passion. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and discovering unique treasures. He had an appreciation for history and the stories behind the things he collected.

Lesley also believed in giving back and was a scholarship donor at Dallas Baptist University, helping provide educational opportunities for others.

Lesley will be remembered for his love of adventure, his many interests, and the joy he found in traveling and collecting. Most of all, he will be remembered for the memories he made with those he loved and the special life he shared with Cookie and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lesley and Rose Betts, and his brothers-in-law and lifelong friends, Jim Simpson and Grady Addington.

He is survived by his loving wife of nine years, Cookie Betts; three stepchildren, Lisa Burch and husband Kyle of Cedar Creek Lake, Texas; Mindy Haynes and husband Gary of Iowa Park, Texas; and Chuck Brown and wife Meaghan of North Richland Hills, Texas; and twelve step-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his three siblings: sisters Sherrin Betts Simpson of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Patricia Betts Addington of Sanger, Texas; and brother Lynn Betts and wife Shelly of Kansas.

His nieces and nephews include Jennifer Simpson Jenson and husband Chuck; Drew Addington; Melodie Addington Bearden and husband Anthony; Bradley Betts; Remley Betts Gorsuch and husband Anthony; Rebecca Rose Betts; and Richard Devaney and wife Julie.

His great-nieces and great-nephews include Jordan Bearden, Abbey Rose Bearden Dietrich, Jude Bearden Schrumpf, Katie Rose Jensen, Madison Jensen, Grace Addington, Zach Addington, and Peter Addington.

Lesley also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom he enjoyed staying in touch and sharing life's memories.

Lesley will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His love of adventure, his passion for the things he treasured, and the memories he created with those he loved will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Visitation will be held at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302, US, on November 6, 2026, at 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location on November 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

Burial will take place at Hope Cemetery, N Red River St, Henrietta, TX 76365, US, on November 6, 2026.