James William Bethel, 80, of Danville, MO, died on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, MO.

James William Bethel was born on August 25, 1938 in New Florence, MO, to Kenneth George Bethel and Martha Rose Prior Bethel. After high school he attended law enforcement school and auctioneering school. Mr. Bethel married Phyllis Mather and have been married for over 59 wonderful years. Mr. Bethel was an active law enforcement officer for many years in Montgomery County, as an Auctioneer he was well known as The Colonel, he owned the Trading Post in Danville for many years and would build solid wood furniture to sell. He loved his family and family get togethers and was an avid gardener, selling or giving away all his fruits and vegetables and he could fix anything. He will be missed by all his family and his many friends.

Mr. Bethel is survived by his wife, Phyllis Mather Bethel of Danville, MO; two children: Kelly Bethel of Thailand and Carole Weeks and husband, Jason of Montgomery City, MO; also surviving is his unofficial adopted son, Paul West and wife, Maggie, of Middletown, MO and their children: JW and Josh; grandchildren: Mason James Bethel Weeks, Clayton Weeks, Coty Cope and husband, Derrick, and Jillian Beach and husband, Will Gardner; and great-grandchildren: Dever Cope, Dallas Cope, Cooper Gardner and Penny Gardner. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters: Kenneth George Bethel, Jr., Carolyn See and husband, Larry; Monte Bethel and wife, Judy; Ronnie Bethel and wife, Judy; and Ruthie Schaeffer and husband, Jerry; sister-in-law, Glenda Keibler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. Bethel was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth George Bethel and Martha Rose Prior Bethel; son, Tracy Wayne Bethel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ira Glen Mather and Mildred Mather.

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Reverend Tony Mattox will officiate. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until the time of service at the Schlanker Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the College Fund for his Grandson, Clayton Weeks, set up at US Bank or send to Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.