Robert A. Bethel

BETHEL, Robert A (Butch). Beloved husband of Alyce Bethel (Nee Meyer) for 56 years. Loving father of Michael (Jeanna) Bethel, Larry (Jenny) Bethel and Scott (Lori) Bethel. Devoted grandfather of Tyler (Josie) Curry, Ashley (Lee) Bauer, Brent, Blake, Brooke, Cate, Parker Bethel and great grandfather of Wesley, Rowan, Liam and Levi. Dear brother of the late Daniel Bethel. Brother-in-law of April Bethel and Cindy (Glenn) Ohmer. Also survived by his nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 82 years of age. 

Butch was a passionate coach of youth sports, beginning with his 3 sons at St. Al’s. He coached them in football, baseball and basketball. He had a demonstrative style of coaching and made sure everyone heard his message. The impact he made was wide ranging and life changing to all he coached. He developed young men to be determined, relentless and to be better than they were the previous practice or game. He treated every player like they were his own son or daughter and developed future leaders, coaches and successful adults. Parents and players loved him, opposing coaches respected him and most of the referees feared him. The only thing bigger than his presence was his heart. He continued coaching well after his kids grew, coaching football, basketball and girls’ basketball and softball for St. Al’s, St. Jude and St. Dominic. Eventually he gave up coaching but his love for youth sports remained. He rarely missed a game of his grandchildren or great nieces or nephews and always had a tip or two for them after the game.

Butch loved his family more than anything, especially the Sullivan family reunions and Pipefitter’s picnics at Stricker’s Grove. He always had rolls of quarters for the grandchildren to play the games. For those that knew him, he was ready to talk about sports at any time with enthusiasm. He couldn’t wait to talk about Elder, Notre Dame or Bengals football. As an original Bengals season ticket holder, the Bengals continued offensive line woes drove him crazy.

He was truly dedicated to the love of his life, Alyce, whom he fell in love with in 1966 and later married in 1968. While a coach’s wife for many years, Butch always took the time to make her feel special and most of all, he made her laugh. He teased and joked with everyone especially the grandchildren. Every grandchild was able to experience car rides with grandpa to or from school. The jokes and stories he would tell were legendary and created long lasting memories for all of them.

Visitation at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5684 Bridgetown Rd, on Thursday January 16 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church, 4306 Bridgetown Rd, on Friday January 17 at 10:30 am. Celebration of Life to follow mass at Miami Township Community Center, 3780 Shady Ln from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Elder High School Annual Fund, 3900 Vincent Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45205. Flowers and condolences may be sent to www.bjmeyer.com