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Leslie Lee Bettis, Sr entered the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on February 7, 2023, at his home in San Antonio, Texas after a long hard battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 1, 1944 to Nora Fuller and Walter “Buck” Aspinwall. Leslie met the love of his life, Elaine Kutscher, at a local Handy Andy where he worked. After a two-year courtship, they were married on April 3, 1965. Shortly after, Leslie was drafted into the military and proudly served 2 years in the Army. When he returned home, he worked for the Civil Service and then as a Mail Carrier with a walking route in the city of Alamo Heights. In 1980, he sustained major injuries from a racing accident which ended his postal career. His injuries did not stop him. Passionate about cars, possessed of a strong work ethic, and with his enduring faith, he started his full time car business located on Hwy 181; Bettis Used Auto Parts. While Leslie loved many things, he especially loved cars. He loved drag racing, rebuilding cars, and had a huge appreciation for old cars, new cars, race cars, and wrecked cars. You could hardly find him sitting; he often worked after hours or would be found just piddling around in his garage late into the evening. For many of their early years, Laine and Leslie spent time bowling in leagues where they enjoyed the company of their friends making lifelong memories. Leslie was a storyteller and he loved sharing stories about his life, his adventures, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed making new friends and building relationships with people everywhere he went. He never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. He loved all kinds of food and his loving wife always made sure he had a big glass of iced sweet tea. He loved to laugh and make people laugh, often telling jokes then laughing in such a way that it seemed as if his whole body was laughing at you! Sadly, his disease took many things from him, but his family agrees that his sense of humor and his full body laugh were one of his last traits to go. His family was precious to him, always his first love, and priority. He loved watching his children and their children grow; and loved spending time with them whether it was traveling, attending events, or just hanging out in their home. Leslie had a big heart and loved deeply with it; in return he was loved by many. His Christian faith was instilled in him at a young age and carried him through life until the end. He loved listening to the Word of God whether it was in the church pew, on the TV, or just while having a good conversation relaxing on the couch. He loved to listen to gospel music, especially Johnny Cash, and loved to hear the gospel and scripture spoken by children. Leslie was a father figure, mentor, and friend to all. He was very instrumental in the success of his children, friends of his children, and many others and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. He took anyone and everyone into his home and made them part of the family. His passing will be mourned deeply by all, but his legacy and memory will live on in the multitude of lives he touched. He is survived by his beautiful wife, of nearly 58 years, Elaine; sons Jody Bettis, Leslie Bettis, Jr and wife Yvonne; daughter Misty Schmoekel and husband Eric; sister Wilma Coble and husband Gordon; brothers Richard Morgan and wife Flo, Eddie Bettis, Howard Bettis, and Robert Bettis; grandchildren Chelsie Romero and husband Eric; Trevor Bettis and fiancé Rachel, Faye Bettis, Ruby Bettis, Hayes Bettis, Caroline Drake, Julliette Drake, Zachary Drake; Faith Schmoekel and McKayla Schmoekel; great grandchildren Jeremiah, Noam, Austin and Loften and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Nora and Joseph Bettis and Buck Aspinwall; brother, Teddy Bettis and sister Nora “Mandy” Bryant. Visitation will begin on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church 720 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205 with interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately after the burial for friends and family at Lakeside Lodge Banquet Hall 14050 Southton Rd, Elmendorf, TX 78112 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the THRU Project https://www.thruproject.org/donate/ For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.

Tributes

Leslie Lee Bettis

August 1, 1944 - February 7, 2023