Bethel P. Mcelroy

Bethel P. McElroy passed away on August 23, 2022, in Sterling, Kansas at the age of 91. He was born to Irving and Mina (Forgy) McElroy in Palco, Kansas on December 2, 1930. Bethel was united in marriage to Bonnie McClellan on June 2, 1951, at the Palco United Methodist Church in Palco, Kansas. To this union, four sons were born: Rod, Mickie, Jim and Larry. Bethel grew up in Palco and graduated from Palco High School in 1947. Following high school, he worked at his in-laws’ company, McClellan Chevrolet until he went into the United States Army in 1951. Bethel was honorably discharged in 1953 and the couple moved to a farm near Palco on the Red Line before moving into town to raise their sons in 1957. He spent his years tending to his wheat and milo fields and raising his black angus cattle with his family. He also custom harvested for a stint. Bethel enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. In addition to outdoor activity, he loved playing pool or snooker, and played in many team tournaments. With his love of sports, he attended many of his grandchildren’s high school events, and he was a Chiefs and K-State football fan. In his later years he made it a priority to travel to Texas and Ohio to visit his grandchildren. He was a member of the Hill City VFW, United Methodist Church in Palco, and the Masons. Bethel was a man of great character, strong values, and deep love for his family and friends. Although he will be greatly missed, his love and influence will remain in the hearts and lives of all of us. May Bethel’s legacy inspire each of us to encourage one another, cherish the ties that bind, and live to serve God, Home, and Country everyday of our lives. He is survived by his sons, Rod (Jolene) McElroy of Wheelersburg, OH, Mickie (Glenda) McElroy of Logan, KS, Jim (Bonnie) McElroy of Sterling, KS, Larry (Shirley) McElroy of Lake Jackson, TX; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Bethel joins in his heavenly home, his parents, Irving and Mina McElroy; wife, Bonnie McElroy; and siblings, Warren McElroy, Herbert McElroy, Irma Rech, and Norma Talbert. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Palco. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.