Joseph Bettencourt

Abilene - Joseph “Joe” Bettencourt died at his home in Abilene, with his wife and family by his side, on June 21st, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Born on February 8, 1936, in Little Compton, Rhode Island, he was the son of Louis Peter and Lucy Arthemese (Romano) Bettencourt.

In June, 1956, Joe joined the United States Air Force , where he was stationed at Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas. Joe’s service as an Air Force jet engine mechanic earned him Medals for Good Conduct and Longevity Service Awards. Joe was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1962. He then returned, for several years, to his family home in Westport, Massachusetts.

In 1971, Joe relocated back to Abilene, Texas and was employed by Kent’s Harley-Davidson for several years. Joe married Betty Lou Beall in August 1972 and together, they spent 37 wonderful years together. Joe accepted a position with the Harley-Davidson factory in Milwaukee, WI in 1977. Joe returned to Abilene once again and began his 15 year career as a machinist with Lockheed-Martin. Upon his retirement from Lockheed-Martin, Joe worked for Fast Company for the next 8 years.

Joe and Betty enjoyed traveling and spent many years traveling much of the United States. Joe was a charter member of the Abilene Sailing Association. Some of Joe and Betty’s fondest memories were crewing together on their various sailboats. For several years, Joe worked with the Abilene Community Theatre. Without a doubt, Joe’s greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, step-children, grandchild, great-grandchild and his other family members and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Lucy Bettencourt, brother, John Bettencourt, and stepdaughter, Kerri Beall.

Joe is survived by his wife, Betty Bettencourt of Abilene; one stepdaughter, Janna Beall and partner, Alex Mendoza, one stepson, Larry Beall, Jr., two grandsons, Dallas Sean Murphy and wife, Rocio and Gabriel Mendoza, one great grandson, Joshua Murphy all of Abilene, three brothers, Robert Bettencourt, of Tiverton, R.I., Louis Bettencourt and wife Anjus, of Westport, Mass., Roland Bettencourt of Westport, Mass., two sisters, Elsie Bettencourt of Westport, Mass. and Lucy Bettencourt of Westport, Mass., sister-in-law, Barbara Bettencourt of Westport, Mass., special niece, Heidi Bettencourt of Dartmouth, Mass., and several other nieces and nephews. Joe had many friends that meant so much to him, as well.

Joe’s family wishes to thank everyone from Hendricks Hospice Care for their wonderful help and support. Special thanks must go to Dr. Carl Trusler and Dr. Jack Bargainer for your care and friendship. You both will forever be remembered and loved.

A graveside memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery on FM 600, in Abilene, Texas. Services are under the direction of Piersall Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St. Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.