Benjamin Burton Betts, Sr.
"Ben" or "Capt. Ben"
Age 91 of Frederica, went to be with his heavenly Father, on Monday, August 22, 2011 in his home.
Mr. Betts was born on September 18, 1919 in Frederica, son of the late Louder Sap Betts and Ellen P. Matlack Betts.
Following high school, he served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II returning to Frederica after his tour of duty ended. He retired from Civil Service at the Dover Air Force Base, however, he was probably best known as Capt. Ben having owned and operated a party boat out of Indian River Yacht Basin for over fifty years.
Ben was a member and Past-Master of the Masonic Temple Lodge #9 A.F.&A.M. in Milford; a member of the Murderkill Lions Club; a member and past president of the Frederica Fire Company and a member of the Board of Directors of the Frederica Senior Center.
He was a life member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Frederica.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers; Charles, Merton and Gordon and three sisters; Ellen, Emma and Louise.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruth K. Betts; three children; Bonnie B. Jester and her husband, Ronald of Harrington; Marsha K. LeDuc and her husband Donald of Frederica and Benjamin Burton Betts, Jr. and his wife Deane of Frederica; a sister, Naomi Tribbitt of Lincoln; 9 granddaughters; Tamara Brandner, Dayna Griffith, Rhonda Papke, Tracy Durham, Bobbie LeDuc, Leo LeDuc, Amy Kouse, Shannon LeDuc and Lynn Hauer; 2 grandsons; Benjamin B. Betts, III and Luke LeDuc; 13 great-granddaughters, 16 great-grandsons, 7 great-great granddaughters, 2 great-great grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., with a Masonic Service starting at 1:45 p.m., on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave, Milford. Friends may call two hours prior.
Burial will be held in Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 4, Frederica, DE, 19946 or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE, 19963.
(08/23/11)