Dexter Loraine Betts

Dexter Betts, born November 12, 1922, in Ganado, Texas, was the fourth of five children born to Luther and Frances Betts.. He grew up on his mother's family farm. His father died when Dexter was 8 and his mother died when he was 16, which left Dexter and his siblings to run the family farm. Dexter learned early on that there was no money to be made in farming. In high school he was active in all sports, and a leader in the Vocational Ag Club. Upon graduation he was eager to become a vocational agriculture teacher. Dexter worked in the oil fields for a couple of years to earn money for college. He had just completed a year of classes at Texas A&M, before joining the Navy, which sent him to North Texas Agricultural College (now UTA) for 2 semesters. It was during his sophomore year that he met Dorthy Upchurch, "the best looking lady in his English class". After World War II in 1948, Dexter completed his degree at Texas A&M in, with a degree in Agriculture and Education. In 1958, he completed his Masters Degree from TCU in Junior College Administration. Dexter worked at what was to become UTA from 1948 - 1965, establishing the audio/video aides department, and then the placement and financial aide department. He worked 4 years for the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, managing their education involvement which then led to his joining the Dallas Community College District as Director of Program Development from 1970 - 1977. Upon retirement in 1977 he continued to work for local vocational schools for a couple of years befre beginning his own subcontracting business in which he built and remodeled houses. Dexter married Dorthy on November 24, 1946. She then joined him at College Station during his first semester at A&M. When they moved back to Arlington, they lived at the NTAC Boy's Dormitory as Dorm Parents, while Dexter began his work at the college. Dexter was a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington in 1952, where he served as president, lieutenant governor, and for many years was the top ticket seller for the annual Pancake Day. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Arlington. Dexter was devoted to his family, not just his immediate family, but also to his siblings, their children, his in-laws, sister-in-law and her children. "Uncle Dexter" was one of his favorite titles. Dexter was preceded in death by his wife Dorthy and son Gary Betts. Survivors include daughter Kay Lancaster & husband Gary; Grandchildren Ryan Hiser & wife Melody, Kristy Hiser, Matthew Betts & wife Nicole, Amelia Betts; step-grandchildren Melissa & Will Akard, Megan & Michael Mangum; plus 5 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center or The Frist United Methodist Church of Arlington.