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Thomas Bethell Obituary
During a long career, Tom harnessed his skills as a writer and editor to his sense of justice. He was a persistent and probing advocate who worked with integrity on issues from the daily struggles in the Appalachian coalfields to the pursuit of enhanced social and economic security for all Americans.
Born in Beverly, Massachusetts in 1939, he was a 1957 graduate of Phillips Andover Academy and attended Harvard University. Survivors include his wife Katharine and his stepfamily Lydia Joyner, Thomas McAvity III and Simon McAvity.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held later this year. Memorials in his name may be sent to the Institute for Rural Journalism at the University of Kentucky via the College of Communication, Director of Philanthropy, 308 Lucille Little Library, Lexington, KY 40506.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Bethell
4 Entries
Ed Slavin
July 12, 2025
Tom was an amazing and inspiring mentor. Tom edited my first published article, The Big Sluice, in Crossroads Magazine, formerly Coal Patrol, in 1978. 11,500 words. Inserted in Congressional Record by U.S. Rep. Joe Skubitz of Kansas, minus reporting on campaign finance. Article helped inspire progressives, UMWA coal miners, farmers, ranchers and environmentalists to defeat controversial coal slurry pipeline eminent domain legislation in U.S. House of Representatives. Helped inspire me to go on become Editor of the Appalachian Observer, which got biggest mercury pollution event in world history declassified on May 17, 1983 (4.2 million pounds emitted into workers' lungs and brains by Union Carbide at Y-12 nuclear weapons plant.
George Fleeson
June 26, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Tom was a very special guy, with extraordinary enthusiasm for the stuff of life.
Kathleen Stanley
April 30, 2025
Oh, Kat. Am so sorry to hear this news. I was one of Tom´s many fans!
Kate Chieco
April 24, 2025
Very sad to hear of Tom´s passing. He was a steadfast friend for many years. A many of many talents and gifts, he will be missed.
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RAPP Funeral and Cremation Services - Silver Spring933 Gist Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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