Howard Earl "Red" Bettner

Howard Earl “Red” Bettner, 99, of Waldron, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Hope.

He would have celebrated his much anticipated 100th birthday on March 17, 2025. Howard was one of 11 children born to Carl F. and Bertha E. (Short) Bettner. On July 2, 1948, he married his wife of 76 years, Edith Crosby Bettner, and she survives.

In addition to Edith, Howard is survived by his children, Sherry Benson and husband, Jay, of Waldron, Gerald Bettner and wife, Linda, of Bloomington, Nelson Bettner and wife, Donna, of Boggstown, Shirley Saddler of Van Buren, and Max Bettner and wife, Renita, of Columbus; 19 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Rev. Michael Saddler; daughter-in-law, Kathy Bettner; and grandson, Travis Kelley.

He was the oldest member of Geneva United Methodist Church, where he held many positions throughout the years.

Howard was a US Navy veteran, serving during World War II. At the age of 19, he drove a landing craft onto Omaha Beach in the first wave of the Normandy invasion on D-Day. Howard was recently awarded the French Legion of Honor medal, from the French President for his bravery in liberating France in World War II.

Howard was formerly President and Manager of Waldron Die Company starting in 1957. In 1987, he opened Bettner Wire Coating Dies Inc., in Columbus. Howard was a lifetime member of the Wire Association International.

Howard enjoyed gardening (which included his prize-winning tomatoes), as well as going fishing and hunting. He was formerly a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 271. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and was a devoted father, grandfather and uncle.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Funeral services will follow at 3 pm, Saturday, at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Dodd and Pastor Kristen Hanson officiating.

Interment will be at Van Pelt Cemetery in Shelby County.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Geneva United Methodist Church, 3107 E. Vandalia Road, Flat Rock, Indiana 47234.

Online condolences may be shared with Howard’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.