Chapter 1 About Don Betts

Chapter 1

About Don Betts

When a person meets Donald Earl Betts, a.k.a., Don Betts, he quickly learns that Don is a southern gentleman who is courteous, kind, smart, humorous, and a walking-and-talking encyclopedia of the area surrounding Sarasota County and Manatee County, Florida.

He has made it his enthusiastic mission in life to mirror the love he first received from God, through Jesus, as a youngster. Both he and Judy are serious students of the Bible (he still prefers the King James Version, as do others from his generation). Over the years, they have been members of several groups of Christians in the area and sometimes have hosted a “house church” in their home.

About His Family History

In 2020, Don wrote these words on pages 3 and 4 in his book, Remembering the Way It Was:

“Judy Betts, my diminutive in stature but larger than life wife and efficient researcher, spent many hours connecting the dots that led to Dejohanne Beattys Betts. He was born in Suffolk, England in the year 1327. He was my 15th Great Grandfather.

“Thomas Betts Sr. was born in West Peckham, England on December 3rd, 1615. He apparently was the first of my Great Grandfathers to immigrate to America. His two elder siblings, John and Mary, died on the same day (May 3, 1638) in Hartford, Connecticut (colony). Robert, also an elder brother died in New Haven, Connecticut on May 21, 1639.

“Thomas arrived in the British Colony of Connecticut in that same year (1639) and became one of the founding landowners of Norwalk village. It grew and became Norwalk, Connecticut, USA after the war for independence. Records note that only ‘proper citizens’ were allowed to be a landholder while under colony rule. So one might assume that he was endowed with considerable financial substance. He died on December 24, 1688 at the age of 73. Eight or nine children were born to him and his wife. The now famous Mayflower ship landed at Plymouth Rock approximately 19 years”

“My paternal grandfather, Joseph Cemore Betts was born on May 7, 1870 in New Brunswick, Canada. The family immigrated to the state of Maine, and lived in Bangor, Waterville, Brewer and Bath. Joseph Cemore spent the rest of his life in the USA but was never naturalized as a US citizen, (more about that later). As a young man of nineteen or twenty, he began working his way south and eventually married Agnes Virginia Smith of Georgia.

“We have no record of how or when he met his wife to be, but their marriage took place in Volusia County, Florida, on March 21, 1892. He was working in the timber and lumber industry in some capacity in the small settlement of Anthony, Florida. Anthony is the town where my Dad, George Emory Betts, was born on March 17, 1893. Withinthe next year or so, they moved to Arcadia, Florida, which was located in Manatee County at that time” (p. 39-40).

“Prior to his Army service in WWI, Dad was introduced to Mary Loretta Shawl, (my mother's maiden name). They were in attendance for Sunday morning worship service at the church of Christ in Oneco, Florida when they met. I do not know the length of courtship before they were married, but I am reminded of another story from the frontier preceding modern methods of transportation.

“Dad was still living in Old Miakka. Mom still lived in West Bradenton with her parents (my Grandpa and Grandma Shawl). Think you understand long distance relationships? It was approximately thirty miles over wagon trails and unpaved road on horseback when Dad would have permission to ‘come calling.’ I'm not sure

when Dad had access to automobile travel, but the first car that I am sure he owned was a Model T Ford. It was probably purchased after he and Mom were married on Jan. 28, 1920. Or perhaps it was a wedding present. Mom learned to drive that car, but would seldom drive thereafter” (p. 73).

Don’s Grand Entrance

On page 7 of that book, Don said: “I was born in 1932 on the ninth day of February. I lived at home on Longboat Key until I entered the United States Navy. That was in March of 1951.

“But our family life started earlier on the Key when it was still truly an Island. The connecting bridges to the Sarasota mainland would come later. Our family began when George Emory Betts and Mary Loretta Shawl were married on January 28, 1920. Their first child, my sister Anna Louise Betts was almost a Christmas present. She was born December 26, 1921.

“George Emory Jr. was the next to be added to the family almost three years later on August 3, 1924. Mom and Dad were living in Bradenton, Florida in 1925. Dad was employed by the Royal Palm Nursery, owned at the time by Egbert Reasoner. It later became known as Reasoners Nursery. Egbert was the brother of Pliny Reasoner and together they established a thriving horticultural business in the early 1880’s. That business was located in Oneco, just south of Bradenton.

“Busy at work one day, Dad was approached by a portly gentleman who entered and asked if he could tour the many rows and beds of flora that Dad was charged with tending. The ‘Gentleman’ was John Ringling. He and his brothers owned and operated the famous Ringling Brothers Circus. Concurrently, the brothers were maintaining several business interests.

“Well, my Dad spent time explaining the different varieties of plants, palms, and trees that were being propagated. Dad had memorized most of the botanical names, as well as the common names, of all the species he was working with in the nursery. John Ringling was so impressed with Dad’s knowledge of the plants and nursery management, that he offered him more pay and employment longevity. Dad accepted his offer. He spent the better part of two years rowing a small boat to work [from Sarasota – SP] each day, and establishing the Ringling Nursery over on Longboat Key. It was a long haul across Sarasota Bay, because work on the causeway to connect the keys with the mainland had not yet commenced” “The Ringling Causeway was finished in 1927. It connected the mainland with Longboat Key via Bird Key and St. Armand's Key. When the bridges were opened for traffic, it became possible for Dad to move Mom and my two older siblings to

the Key. That is where Mom would spend the rest of her life (approximately 32 years) making our humble house a home and raising six of her seven children.

“Mom passed away in 1959 just short of her 57th birthday. Dad continued to live and work alone at the Ringling Nursery. He managed it for a total of about forty years” (pages 8-9).

“So many of my childhood memories are melded into our immediate family activities. I was in between my four brothers, two older and two younger. The way our ages were distributed, I spent a lot of time alone at various and sundry projects such as reading, model airplane construction, Cub Scouts, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay or exploring the pristine Florida barrier island landscape.

“One year, I believe it was the year I turned 15, I was successful in swimming in the Gulf every day of the year. 365 days! Yes, a few of those were too cold to stay in any longer than Pat stayed in the Army. But I dove in, returned to shore and ran all the way home. Our house, incidentally, was only a five minute walk from either the Gulf or Bay” (p. 10).

“Most of our "away from home" time was spent at church services. We attended the church of Christ in Sarasota four times a week, twice on Sunday, Wednesday evening bible study and Thursday evening song practice. Fifth Sundays would find us visiting other congregations in Palmetto, Bradenton, Cortez, Oneco or our Sarasota location for "dinner-on-the-ground" and/or afternoon singing sessions. Many times when visiting in Cortez we would eat lunch with Tink Fulford and his family. Tink owned and operated the Fulford Fish Company, so we always enjoyed the "freshest of the best" of fish, which were so plentiful at the time.

“Mom and Dad did not miss an opportunity to attend the protracted tent meetings when Marshall Keeble was in town. He was a widely-known preacher and teacher based in Nashville, Tenn. His ability to present biblical teaching in a memorable way, was second to none. 1 was young, but I well remember his booming delivery” (p. 32).

Don Betts’ service to his country, and his multi-faceted lifetime of employment, is a kaleidoscope of learning experience. As the Korean war neared its conclusion, he served four years in the U.S. Navy. Following boot camp in San Diego, California, he served at several Naval aviation facilities: Pensacola, Florida; Oceana, Virginia; and Sanford, Florida. While stationed at NAS Oceana, he was attached to fighter squadron VF 84. He experienced two tours of duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain, conducting flight operations near Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Don returned to civilian life in Sarasota, Florida in March, 1955. Job openings were few to none. His first opportunity to earn a wage, meager as it was, came as a sales clerk at a hardware store. He finally earned a more livable wage when he worked for a local dairyman. He earned a whopping $1.00 per hour, but he gained financial stability by often working more than 100 per week.

Then, he got a far better paying job. He worked for several years doing power-line construction. He climbed poles for Florida Power and Light Company.

That was followed by a big change of scenery. Instead of looking at palm trees and Spanish moss, he looked at sagebrush and miles of cactus. He moved to Arizona and completed a training program at the Phoenix Police Academy.

However, circumstances soon required a return to Sarasota and a short stint of time as a Sarasota City Police Officer. A Ranger position became available at the Myakka River State Park, and his prior police training paid off. Don was commended for capturing a man known as the “State Park Bandit. ” The culprit had stolen numerous purses that women had unwisely left in their parked cars while they enjoyed the park. He struck not only at Myakka, but in various state parks.

Marriage of Don and Judy

Next, he became an employee at Palmer First National Bank & Trust Company. It was there that Don met the love of his life, Judith Duke. She had was born down in Miami. Don Betts and Judy Duke were married on August 9, 1964

Judith (“Judy”) Duke had been born in Miami in 1939. Her grandparents lived in Dade County and were leaders in the community. Her mother was one of founders of an orphanage there. And her grandfather, Emer Albert Westra, as the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

Don and Judy had the usual challenges, adjustments and blessings of a large, combined family. The couple made time for many extracurricular activities with the whole group, but church service always took priority.

As the years passed, banking, insurance, home sales and mortgage administration became the combined effort for family growth and fiscal sustainability. Inter City National Bank of Bradenton, Florida promoted Don to the position of Vice President. They gave him the responsibility of overseeing BankAmericard operations in Manatee County. That was in the early days of plastic money.

Over 10 years later, his association with the Florida Farm Bureau organization provided an opportunity as sales agent for the insurance division. Following productive years, the State of Florida provided Don administrative position in the

Bureau of Soil and Water conservation, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Through all the occupational changes and adjustments, we were also maintaining a small cattle farm near Myaaka our as place of family residence.

Don and Judy in the early days.

Don and Judy in Sedona, Arizona in 2015

Don and Judy on a ship on the high seas in 2016

Don was better known as “Curley” in those days.

With his dapper mustache, Don looks like he might be in the federal protection program or running from bill collectors. Hey, maybe a young Tom Selleck?

At home in Myakka, Florida on July 21, 2001

Beautiful couple, huh?

Don and Judy stepping out in the evening.

It is a long, long way from Myakka to Honolulu but here they are. They look like extremely happy campers, don’t they?

Here are Don and Judy in their normal clothes when they are relaxing around the house. Or not. Looks like they dining with the Governor. Quite an elegant pair to be sure.

Two of the most loving, kind, and generous people on God’s green earth. Since day one of their marriage, they have focused on loving each other, loving their neighbors and proving their love for God by doing good wherever they go. In turn, they are loved deeply by people around the country.

I think maybe Don was whispering to Judy, “Love, it jest don’t get this doggoned cold back home in Florida.”

They visited their beloved Sedona, Arizona something like 17 times – and often for a week at a time. Years ago, Tanya Tucker sang, “If heaven ain’t a lot like Texas, then I don’t wanna go.” Don kinda feels that way about Sedona.

Don and Judy in a relaxing spot.

How Don Feels About Judy?

Don Betts wrote the following poems about Judy, his wife, and the fact that his love for her does not diminish with time but grows stronger each day:

God Said (A birthday poem for Judy Betts)

God said, I’m gonna make a Judith Ann. I’ll make her special, pert and smart. At least I’m somewhat sure I can. Let me see, where shall I start?

Her size should be a zero, no larger than a one. Her eyes will sparkle, like the morning dew.

She must have a penchant, for having fun. And tiny feet will let her wear a size five shoe.

Just for kicks, she’ll be left-handed, With a will much stronger than the teacher’s ruler. Her mien will be an aura more than candid Tho with a yen for taller, she will learn, small is cooler.

He made her shy, yet bold and strong, Seldom asking how or why, she found a way To manage tumult, all day long. She was endowed, with what to do and say.

Included in her inner part, her God given mores, He gifted her with a heart big as all outdoors. She served as Guardian Ad-litem, providing choices For little ones in limbo, no way to hear their voices.

God decreed she could do, whatever she desired She aspired to sell houses, and right away was hired. You can abide He said, you can be your own boss. So she rode the mortgage tide, as if it was a wild hoss.

With a God-given bent for organization, She matured the idea of “Operation Relaxation.” She enjoined the congregation, especially the ladies, And gifted foster parents, by caring for their babies.

God decided to see if she was more than a proxy, She proved over time she was blessed with moxie. She was mother of her son, just she and he alone. Then, overnight, her family had grown.

Providing direction with cajoling and caressing For the family now nine, she was a constant blessing. There was a lot in life she thought she didn’t know, But God said, here’s wisdom, how to make things go.

Well, years have passed, since Judy’s day of birth. Some filled with sorrow, some with gleeful mirth. She excelled as a plotter, toward well-earned goals Tho oft’ through choppy water, over rocky shoals.

There came a day when she was all there was for me. I was a rudderless ship, on a storm-tossed sea. She was well aware life could be a big up-setter, But working together, we could make things better.

The years of her life, passing seemingly with speed Has blessed all who’ve known her, yes indeed. I know the small role that I’ve played in her life Is God’s gift to my soul, having her as my wife! Happy Birthday to Judy, the love of my life!

Yule and Me (A Christmas Poem)

Blessings come in different ways, Like Yuletide with its joyous days. But you my love are a blessing true A gift each day the whole year through.

I am blessed with you for wife, No better friend to share my life. You nurture every want or need, The reason, if e’er I did succeed.

No gift is more desired by me Than knowing you are safe and free. And when we’re done with life on earth We’ll still be one, with spiritual worth.

The birth we celebrate, on this day and date Is Jesus, born to open wide the narrow gate. Words alone cannot convey all I wish to say. Yet, I pray for you a Merry Christmas Day! Dec. 25, 2018

In another place, Don spoke of not only of his life but his very existence.

“I didn’t plan on being here.

“In the world, I mean. I had absolutely nothing to do with my beginning. The fact that I am here at all had something to do with the grace of God and a lot to do with the love that my Mom and Dad had for each other.

“Whether I was planned purposely or not is beside the question. Immaterial, really. I know they loved me, and I think they liked me for who I was individually as well. They took good care of me in my infancy and as I grew into adulthood.

“And it was not an easy time to be adding another mouth to feed. From a material standpoint it was not so great living during what is still referred to as ‘the Great Depression.’ I was the fifth new-born to become a part of the family. Our family. There it is! That magic word, family.’

“Well, here I am. Still here 90 years later. And probably better for having lived through the tough times when the designation “family” was held in high esteem. It didn’t matter that we didn’t have “things.” We had each other! And a peaceful way of life that I really did enjoy. ‘Need’ was a more prevalent word than ‘want’ during that time when so many things were in short supply or not available at all. Being “family” went a long way in filling that need.

“Life begins with birth; life on earth ends in death. In between those two moments in time exists who we are, what we do, what we’ve seen and what we remember. That is everyone’s story.

“To a degree my story is still being told. I’m still here. But my allotted time is lessened with each passing year.”

Days of Our Lives (A poem on aging and birthdays)

Birthdays seem showered with mystical powers Replete with bowers of “artistical” flowers. Diamonds and candies and candles on a cake. What’s it all about, for goodness sake!

Another year has now expired. So what, if you feel a little tired! The date you were born will arrive once more, And you’re apt to feel more worn than before.

Your parents were elated, on birthday number one. Proudly they’d created a bundle of fun! You don’t remember that first celebration, But you were the center of all that elation!

Well, many years have come and gone And the “birthdays” still arrive. You sigh and rise at every dawn And realize you’re very alive!

I am convinced! It’s best to know one’s age. The day is evidence, you’ve turned another page!

So blow out the candles and eat the cake.

But forget the diamonds, for goodness sake! Sept. 9, 2016

Forever’s Promise

Life is like a vapor Lasting momentarily. Then time with our Creator Becomes reality.

If it should be my soul’s set free And I’m not here tomorrow, Remember me most happily And spend no time in sorrow.

Friendship and brotherhood Enjoyed here on earth, Endowed by our God so good Foreshadows Heaven’s worth.

So when I must transition To that wondrous realm above Please sing a heart-felt rendition Of a song filled with love.

Have no tears for my demise Let happiness prevail. A faithful race receives the prize God’s promise does not fail.

When He selects your time to rise To join the saints above, We’ll reunite above the skies, Eternally robed in our Saviors Love.

And, finally, Don Betts acknowledges most of the sand in his “hour glass” of life has fallen to the bottom. In the following poem, he states he does not fear death because of his hope of heaven and his life-long walk with Jesus. And he wishes that same comfort and optimism for each reader.

Eternal Soul

I must be willing to give up what I am In order to become what I will be. These words spoken by Albert Einstein Relay his belief in eternity.

No truer words to be spoken, as befits our coming demise Accepting our soul as Holy, a wise mans “word to the wise.”

Our physicality serves its purpose In God given time and space. But reality served up in Scripture Gives evidence of the soul’s resting place.

To doubt a higher calling, for the mind and soul of man Shows need for overhauling, a blind and obtuse stand. Science of the ages, from Genesis through forever, Is evidence that assuages the fears of one not clever.

The physical body, formed from dust of the earth, Will cease to have value, purpose or worth. Having served as home of the soul, in earth time and space It will no more play a role, when we meet God face to face.

One must be willing, from earth life to be free, If one is to become what one is meant to be. Sept. 5, 2015

Daybreak (A poem on aging and death)

Don Betts - Aug. 3, 2016

Will the morning mist lift, to show A bright new day with golden glow? What will the new day bring to bear? Will I have wealth, or other things to share?

What does the new day have in store for me? Will I be apportioned more opportunity? Will seeds of life sprout as I share His word, With a soul in doubt, will faith be stirred?

With yesterday over and today just begun Will I smell the clover, and feel tomorrow’s sun? My life so blessed with many breaking days I’m ready for rest, I see Jesus through the haze.

As life dims, like a shroud, I pray He’ll take Me with Him, o’er the clouds, at next daybreak.

Don and Judy spent several years on their small farm at Old Myakka, then spent even longer living in Sarasota and Bradenton. A few years back, they bought a brand new house in the new and some say fancy-dancy, high-falootin’ community of Lakewood Ranch, Florida (just east of Bradenton and Sarasota). In their senior years, they still able to visit with family and friends. But they can no longer travel far, and certainly not to their still beloved Sedona, Arizona.