Denny Lee Bettisworth

1940 - 2019

LEESBURG, Fla. - Denny Lee Bettisworth, 79, died Dec. 7, 2019, in Leesburg, Florida.

He was born Feb. 25, 1940, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Robert and Alberta Bettisworth. The Bettisworths later moved to Galesburg, Illinois, where Denny attended elementary through high school, graduating in 1958. He received a bachelor of science in education from Northern Illinois University in 1963, a master of arts from Colorado State University in 1967 and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in 1974. He began his teaching career at Rock Falls High School (Illinois). He later taught theater and theater history at Kent State Stark County Campus (Ohio), University of Missouri-St. Louis and Central Michigan University, where he was a professor and served as chairman of the Speech Communications and Dramatic Arts Department from 1981 until his retirement in 2003. Although Denny touched many lives while teaching and directing, he was also known for playing his guitar and his famous limericks.

Denny married Linda Hartley in 1963. Their son, David, was born in February 1967. Daughters Kara, Kim and Kris were born in February 1969. Denny was an avid golfer. He and Linda enjoyed 16 years of golf and sun in their retirement at Royal Highlands in Leesburg.

Denny is survived by his wife, Linda; son, David (Kelly); daughters, Kara (Tom) Stefanson, Kim Bettisworth (Bill Raack) and Kris Bettisworth; grandchildren, Gibson Raack, Finley Raack and Logan Stefanson; sisters-in-law, Carol Michalek, Sarah Metzger and Carol Hartley; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graveside service and celebration of Denny's life will be held in Galesburg in the spring. Donations be made to CMU Summer Theatre Endowment, a program Denny started in 1987. Checks may be sent to Department of Theatre & Dance, Moore Hall 331, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI 48859. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg.