Mike Betts (Tulsa) passes
- Thread starter Bob Owen
- Start date
I was at Jim and Laura's house last night soonafter he was discovered. Jim, Laura and Michelle, as well as many others here, have lost a very dear friend.
I have known Mike for about 15 years as a player, and the past 3 years even closer as a cue making colleague. He has helped me with things in my shop from time to time, helped me with my game, and has never denied me anything I asked of him.
Mike was one hell of a player. He has traveled the country and played with the best of the best and beaten them. Jim McDermott has many great stories to tell about Mike that are always enjoyable to hear. Mike helped build the business Jim has today, helped raise Michelle (Jim and Laura's daughter) and always did anything he could for them.
I talked to Jeff Prather this morning about Mike. Jeff told me stories of how Mike would show up there to visit with him, his family and Verl Horn back in the day. He said Mike would show up on the bus one day with only lunch money, and then come back in a week driving a brand new Cadillac. Jeff says Mike was always helpful when he could be, and just plain really fun to be with.
Mike was a fixture in billards in the Tulsa area. There are many people that have known him, played with him, learned from him and gone to him for cue work. He will always be remembered here.
I have known Mike for about 15 years as a player, and the past 3 years even closer as a cue making colleague. He has helped me with things in my shop from time to time, helped me with my game, and has never denied me anything I asked of him.
Mike was one hell of a player. He has traveled the country and played with the best of the best and beaten them. Jim McDermott has many great stories to tell about Mike that are always enjoyable to hear. Mike helped build the business Jim has today, helped raise Michelle (Jim and Laura's daughter) and always did anything he could for them.
I talked to Jeff Prather this morning about Mike. Jeff told me stories of how Mike would show up there to visit with him, his family and Verl Horn back in the day. He said Mike would show up on the bus one day with only lunch money, and then come back in a week driving a brand new Cadillac. Jeff says Mike was always helpful when he could be, and just plain really fun to be with.
Mike was a fixture in billards in the Tulsa area. There are many people that have known him, played with him, learned from him and gone to him for cue work. He will always be remembered here.
Lost another good long time buddy. A great guy, a loyal friend and a helluva pool player. We played a couple of times years ago, and I wasn't too anxious to try him again. He always invited me back for more. I wish I had taken him up on his offer now. A pleasure to play with, a real gentleman.
This was in today's Tulsa World newspaper....
Bettes, Mike, 60, pool cue maker, died Friday. Services pending. Mallett, Wagoner.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/transitions/deathnotices.aspx
I called Mallett Funeral Home. The lady said that services are planned for next Wednesday at the funeral home's chapel, and burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner, Ok.
She said an obituary should be in next Tuesday's newspaper giving all of the information. (I would check Monday also)
(You may be able to just revisit the above TulsaWorld link on that day to get it)
Here is a link I found to Mallett Funeral Home:
http://www.funeralhomesguide.com/Oklahoma/Wagoner/MallettFuneralHome.html
Although I don't recall ever meeting him, Gabe said he knew him well.
Very sad news.....our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family & friends.
Bettes, Mike, 60, pool cue maker, died Friday. Services pending. Mallett, Wagoner.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/transitions/deathnotices.aspx
I called Mallett Funeral Home. The lady said that services are planned for next Wednesday at the funeral home's chapel, and burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner, Ok.
She said an obituary should be in next Tuesday's newspaper giving all of the information. (I would check Monday also)
(You may be able to just revisit the above TulsaWorld link on that day to get it)
Here is a link I found to Mallett Funeral Home:
http://www.funeralhomesguide.com/Oklahoma/Wagoner/MallettFuneralHome.html
Although I don't recall ever meeting him, Gabe said he knew him well.
Very sad news.....our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family & friends.
Funeral
Jim just let me know that the funeral is to be at 3pm on Wednesday, 8/22/07, at the Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner, Oklahoma as Gabe's Mom posted.
Anyone is welcome to attend.
JWP
Jim just let me know that the funeral is to be at 3pm on Wednesday, 8/22/07, at the Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner, Oklahoma as Gabe's Mom posted.
Anyone is welcome to attend.
JWP