Gordon Earl Bethem

Gordon Earl Bethem, 85, of Belle Vernon, passed away at home on Saturday, March 24, 2018. He was born in December 3, 1932 in Charleroi to the late Jules and Catherine (Tatar) Bethem. He graduated in 1952 from Charleroi High School and served in the Army during the Korean War. Gordon started working as a machinist in the family owned business " Bethem's Machine Shop" at a young age and retired from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel. He joined the Belle Vernon Vol. Fire Co. at age 21, and was also a member of several clubs and organizations. Throughout his life, Gordon enjoyed good times at the family cabin in Confluence, socializing, Fire Co. Functions, dancing, fishing, and attending his grandson's hockey games. Late in life, he loved reading, working crossword puzzles, watching comedies and videos of his great-granddaughter. He was known to jury-rig just about anything, including building the popular family pool. Gordon could also lead anyone in the waltz. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Connie L. Atkins Bethem, daughters, Gay Bethem and Leann (John Adams) Watkins, son, Scott (Darlene) Bethem, beloved granddaughter, Meghan (Aaron Beck) Bethem, grandson, Aaron (Stephanie) Lenhart, his greatest joy, great-granddaughter, Beatrix Beck, sisters-in-law, Mildred Bethem, Joyce Dull and Eleanor Atkins, several nieces and nephews, friends and his best bud, Ralph Jennings. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Leonard, Curtis, Ronald, Darwin and wife Lois, sisters Elaine and husband Ed Binkney, Norma and husband David Herst, brothers-in-law, Gale Atkins and Gary Dull, a niece, a nephew and several close friends, including Robert Lenhart. Gordon was the youngest and the last of his siblings. They are all reunited now, singing in perfect harmony. A special Thank You to Allegheny Health Network Hospice for all your care, especially Cindy and Larry. At his request, there will be no visitation or service. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township, (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Belle Vernon Vol. Fire Co., 10 Main Street, Belle Vernon, PA 15012. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com