Ward Reid Betz, USAFR, 88, passed away on March 23, 1997 in Atascadero, CA where he spent the past eight years for health reasons.
Born June 20, 1908 in Greenville, IL to Clarence and Helen Betz. After graduating as valedictorian from Belvidere High School in Belvidere, IL, he attended the University of Nebraska.He began his distinguished military career in 1930 when he joined the Nebraska National Guard. He later joined the Army (100th Infantry Division) and then the Air Force where he served as full Colonel. While serving in World War II, he earned a Purple Heart and later the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He was also involved in the Berlin Airlift. He continued his military service in Germany, Ohio, Newfoundland and Colorado Springs where he retired in 1962. He then worked in Civil Service for 14 years at Hill Air Force Base.
An avid hunter and gun collector, he was very active in the Utah Gun Collector's Association where he served in many positions, including president, secretary, and treasurer. Turning his attention to collecting fine guns, he began his long lasting relationship with the Browning Arms Co. In 1979, he helped organize the Browning Collector's Association. He was considered to be the foremost authority on Browning firearms worldwide and continued to answer inquiries for the Browning Arms Co. until his last days.
Colonel Betz was also instrumental in developing the Browning Museum at the Union Station, Ogden, Utah. He donated firearms for display and remained on the Board of Directors until his passing. He was a free-lance writer and published numerous articles in outdoor and gun magazines in the U.S. as well as Europe. In 1994, he co-authored the second edition of the book, John M. Browning, American Gunmaker.
A long time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ogden, he was a generous and caring individual who donated much of his time and resources to charitable causes.
Betz is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Ogden, their four children, Halina (Richard) Handsaker of Kansas; Allan Betz of Ogden; Victoria (David) Lohr of Sandy; and Frederick (Linda) Betz of South Ogden; a daughter from a previous marriage Phoenix Reid of Washougal, Washington and 10 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at Lindquist Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah on April 12 at 3 p.m.
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