Kenneth William Betler beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025.  He was married to Kay for 67 years, sharing a lifetime of love and laughter.  A proud father of two daughters and two granddaughters, he delighted in taking his girls shopping.  Ken loved cheering his sports teams, Pittsburgh and the Fighting Illini and spending time with family and friends.  

 

Ken started his work life as a bricklayer at Pittsburgh Steel Mill followed by a short time working for the US Postal Service.  He spent much of his career in management positions in the coal mining industry for Lee Norse Company which later became Ingersoll-Rand.  His job with Lee Norse resulted in the family's relocation to Illinois.  In 1987, he began working at Dresser Industries in Litchfield. In 1991, he and Kay moved to Danville, IL where Ken worked for Holmes Brothers and later retired.  He and Kay moved back to Taylorville in 2005.

 

Ken spent many years as a volunteer firefighter, which he greatly enjoyed.   He and Kay were members of the First United Methodist Church where they were counselors for the Youth Fellowship in late 1970s.   Ken has been active in leadership roles in the church for many years.  Ken leaves behind a legacy of service, love, laughter and loyalty.  Much like he did for his favorite sports teams, Ken never stopped showing up and cheering for the people he loved.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay, his parents, Henry "Fred" and Anna Betler, brother, Daren Betler, and sisters Betty Rodgers and Florence Harrison.  He is survived by his two daughters, Kara (Joe) Reber, Kendra (Brian) Vanzo, and his two granddaughters, Kaytlyn (Tom) Eversole and Kenzie (Robert) Bates. 

 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, at 10:30AM at the First United Methodist Church of Taylorville.  Funeral service will follow at noon.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church Youth Programs.  The burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.