Bonham, Texas -- Cecil Wayne Bethel, 83, passed away at his home in Bonham, Texas on October 30, 2025. Cecil was born on February 20, 1942, to parents Kenneth and Lois Bethel. He was raised in Ravenna along with two siblings.
Upon graduating from Bonham High School, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years in Hawaii during the Vietnam War. He made his career as a machinist at General Cable Corporation, retiring after 35 years. Cecil was a member of First Baptist Church in Bonham.
His lifelong marriage to Martha (McCraw) Bethel lasted 58 years and they raised two sons, Chad and Jason. He became “Pappy” in 1999 when his first grandson, Blaine, was born. In just a few years, he earned three more grandsons-Carson, Tate and Colin. He got to meet his first great granddaughter, Harper Clark, in September.
Despite being a man of few words, Cecil loved to joke and had a sense of humor. He had a love for photography, hunting, chuckwagon cooking and carving. Designing and creating treasures were Cecil’s pastime. He has quite the collection of knives, wooden items, and metal designs that he made all on his own. Many of us have the designs that Cecil crafted. His designs have traveled far-from carved ducks, wall crosses, pendants, to spurs many cowboys use today. Buckles that carry the weight of belts and saddles define his brand. His ability to see details then put those visions into objects was his labor of love.
His favorite movie was Lonesome Dove and he could recite just about every line! Cecil was well known for his skills with a smoker and his signature creation were jars of candied jalapeños known as “Pappy’s Peppers”.
Cecil joins in heaven his parents Kenneth and Lois Bethel. He is survived by his wife Martha (McCraw) Bethel, son Chad Clark and daughter-in-law Judy, son Jason Bethel and daughter-in-law Robin, grandsons Blaine Bethel, Carson Clark and wife Jenna Clark, Tate Bethel, Colin Clark, and great granddaughter Harper Clark. Cecil is also survived by his brother Jimmy Bethel and sister Elaine Savage, cousins and close friends Mike Bethel and Justin Bethel along with several nieces and one nephew. He leaves behind lifelong friends (some who called him “Beefy”), for whom he cared deeply.
Family visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Cooper Sorrells Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with graveside services on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., Willow Wild Cemetery. Procession to cemetery will leave from the funeral home at 10:30 a.m.
Standing in as pallbearers are Mike Bethel, Justin Bethel, Blaine Bethel, Carson Clark, Tate Bethel and Colin Clark.
The Bethel family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, love and support in Cecil’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Bonham.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
