Obituary of Francis E. Betz

Francis E. Betz of Beaverton, Oregon, died November 29, 2013 following a long illness. He was born and raised in Cliffside Park, N.J. to Francis J. and Julia T. Betz. Frank, as he was known to family and friends, graduated from Don Bosco High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy (1963-1967) and proudly served two tours during the Vietnam War as an Electrical Technician (ETR3) onboard the USS Monmouth County LST 1032. He received the Vietnam Campaign medal, National Defense Service medal and the Vietnam Service medal; furthermore, the ship received a Letter of Navy Commendation for its service during the war. Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, Frank received his Masters in Education from California State University Los Angeles in 1972. He began teaching with the Hacienda-La Puente Unified School District, CA 1972-1980; then Oregon Salem Keizer School District 1980-1995. He specialized in working with Special Needs and Elementary School children. He was a member of VFW Post 4617 in Beaverton, Oregon. In 2011, he founded the Welcome Home Coin project, which was his heart's desire to honor veterans especially those who served in Vietnam. He created the Welcome Home Coin Project and designed Welcome Home Coins to honor his son Michael and the soldiers of Michael’s unit, the 1-140th Aviation Assault Battalion, and other Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam veterans. Frank would greet each veteran with "Welcome Home, Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice" followed by a handshake and a Welcome Home Coin -- a legacy of generosity and kindness that will not be forgotten. Frank is survived by his sons Michael and Daniel; granddaughter Michelle; sisters Julia Betz and Teresa Machinski; brothers Tom and Stephen; nephews Brian, Kurt, Christian and Lucas; and nieces Amanda, Kendall, Olivia and Claudia. A service will be held at 11am Saturday January 11, 2014 at The Wilhelm Portland Memorial Funeral Home 6705 S.E. 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202. Service Information