Great Bend—Gerald Dean Bethel, 81, died January 18, 2018 at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita. Gerald was born February 25, 1931 at Great Bend the son of Luther and Opal (Bryant) Bethel.

Gerald was united in marriage to Opal Bryant on Oct. 6, 1961 in Great Bend, she passed away March 23, 1999. He was a long time Great Bend resident. Gerald was a veteran of the United States Air Force, was a mechanic for Straub International. He was a member of Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and enjoyed fishing, camping and woodworking.

Survivors include son Jay Bethel and wife Sheila of Hays; daughters Dianna Disque of Great Bend and Debbie Bethel of Salina; brother Jim Bethel and wife Linda of Otis CO. and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Wylie and sister Roberta Michaelis.

Visitation will be 1 – 9 p.m. Sunday January 21, 2018 with family receiving friends 6 – 8 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday January 22, 2018 both at Bryant Funeral Home with Don Paden officiating.

A memorial fund has been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home