Gary Lynn Bethel, 71 of Seguin, passed away on Thursday Morning, November 9, 2023, at his home.  Gary was born on March 14, 1952, in Austin to Charles Gilbert and Doris Irene (Beard) Bethel.

His love of sports began in childhood and would form the foundation for his character, outlook, examples of manhood, and lifelong friendships. He was curious about almost everything, which drove him to be a voracious reader and expert on trivia. He was driven by the desire to share life with those he met and to connect in ways that were meaningful to them. His friendships surpassed all socioeconomic and class lines, to include, at times, mere strangers.

His passion for the game of baseball earned him a Texas Lutheran College (now University) dual scholarship with football, where he met and married his lifelong sweetheart. The friendships that he forged over those years were some of the most meaningful. After strokes, which affected his short-term memory, he worked even harder to stay in meaningful contact with others.

Over the years he was active, in leadership positions, at St Andrew's Episcopal Church, to which he converted in his twenties. He served on the vestry and as a youth leader - sharing His faith, which never wavered. He was a member of Rotary, and Chamber of Commerce, on multiple and various committees, including co-chairing Freedom Fiesta. He was a flaming extrovert, who never tired of visiting with others, in whom he was genuinely and tirelessly interested.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marjorie (Weyel) and Charles Henry Donegan and sister-in-law, Linda Donegan.

Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Amy Rebecca Donegan Bethel; daughters, Whitney Rebecca Bethel Morgan and Husband Craig Allen Morgan, Danielle Donegan Bethel; grandchildren, Henry Donegan Panozzo, Benton Todd Panozzo, August Bethel Panozzo, Charles Allen Morgan and Emily Rebecca Morgan; sister, Suzanne Bethel, brother-in-law, C.H. "Trip" Donegan III; sisters-in-law Marjorie Lee Vogt and husband Gary and Anne Michelle Costas and husband Nick; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with the Reverend Stephen Shortess officiating.   A reception will follow in McKeough Hall.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, C.H. (Chad) Donegan, IV, Brian Donegan Vogt, Stuart Michael Vogt, Justin Weyel Vogt, Nicholas Peter Hantse Costas, Christopher Teague Hantse Costas, and Tyler O' Neal.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 201 E Nolte St. Seguin, Texas 78155.