William Edward 'Bill' Gething

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William Edward “Bill” Gething, a very blessed 94 years of age, of Pampa, Texas, took the Lord’s hand and was reunited with his loving wife, Grace, in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 12, 2022, in Amarillo, Texas.  Bill was born in White Deer, Texas on April 25, 1927, to Edward and Julia Gething.

Having grown up on the Gething Family Ranch and attending Pampa schools, Bill was more or less a lifelong resident of the area.  Following graduation, he joined the United States Navy at the age of 18 and served with the Amphibious crew.  Upon his return home, he attended Texas Tech University and achieved a degree in Geology.  Finding his soulmate, he married Grace Elizabeth Gotcher on August 20, 1949, in Pampa.  They moved to Oklahoma where he was employed as a Petroleum Geologist and eventually returned home to manage the family ranch.  He was very community oriented and found his mission in life helping young people through the Boy Scouts of America.  So much so, that for all the years of selfless commitment, he received the Silver Beaver Award. Bill was also dedicated to the Top O’ Texas Masonic Lodge #1381.  He was initiated into the lodge on August 9, 1960, then on February 27, 1961, he passed the Degree of Fellowcraft, was raised to the Degree of Master Mason on August 28, 1961 and on June 28, 2010 received a 50 year service award.

Although Bill was a very diverse man, two things never wavered – he was an avid fisherman and he loved to travel the world!  These two things worked well in his favor, because he traveled near and far to fish.  His enjoyment of travel also allowed him to attend the World Jamboree on more than one occasion.  He was extremely jovial and lighthearted and most times a jokester, generally speaking, but when it came to work, he was all seriousness. 

Bill was undoubtedly proud of his service to the United States Navy and to the Boy Scouts of America as well, but even more so, he was proud of his family and loved them dearly.  Bill’s smile, laughter and love will be missed so dearly by all whose lives he has touched.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace; a son, Mark Gething; a sister, Mary Jones-Gething as well as his parents, Edward Gething, and Julia Palesteen.

Those whom he has left to carry on his legacy are a son, William Grant Gething and wife Joyce of Pampa; three grandchildren, Jacob Gething and wife Hayley of Pampa, Robert Gething and wife Stephanie of Amarillo, David Gething and wife Liz of West Minister, Maryland; four great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members whom Bill deeply loved.

Celebration of Life Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church, 525 North Gray Street, Pampa, TX with John Curry officiating.  Services will include Military honors presentation as well as Masonic Rites given by Top O’ Texas Masonic Lodge #1381.  The family will host a private graveside on the Gething Family Ranch.  Bill’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Winegeart Funeral Home.

If donations are preferred, the family suggests they be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 758542, Topeka, KS 66678-8542 or by visiting www.pva.org in honor of Bill.