COMPTON — Paul L. Betz, 71, of Compton, passed away Dec. 11, 2019 at Heritage Health, Mendota.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Dec.17 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mendota, with Rev. Steve Mindrup officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.
Paul was born July 14, 1948 in Mendota to Lester and Viola (Truckenbrod) Betz. He married Connie Piller Aug. 26, 1972 at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Paul was a 1966 graduate of Mendota High School. He farmed for his entire life before retiring. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, ushered, and ran the sound system. He was a member of Mendota Elks Lodge and the Living Historical Antique Equipment Association. He served on the West Brooklyn Farmers Co-Op board and was a trustee for the Compton Fire Department for several years. He enjoyed cheering on the White Sox, collecting Minneapolis Moline tractors, and competing in tractor pulls.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy (Joshua) Ehrler of Oregon; two sons, Michael (Erica Whitehead) Betz and Adam (Emily Erickson) Betz, both of Compton; special friend Mary Haenitsch of Jerseyville; brother-in-law Edward McCormick of Las Vegas; and eight grandchildren, Kendra Ehrler, Caleb Ehrler, Evie Betz, Kartear Betz, Ella Betz, Bryson Betz, Brianna Betz and Brad Betz.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2005; and his sister, Carol McCormick.
 Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mendota Area Senior Services or Compton Fire Department.