Mr. Betchan
Thomas “Wayne” Betchan, 92, of Rockdale went home to Heaven on Aug. 26, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife, two daughters and a son-in-law. Wayne was born on Jan. 5, 1934, in Milano to Thomas “Tom” Jefferson Betchan and Ruby Ray (Bankston) Betchan. He was born and raised in Milano and graduated from Milano High School in 1952 as a member of a class of 16 students.
Following high school, Wayne attended Blinn College, then graduated from Sam Houston Teachers College with a business degree in 1956.
Shortly after college, Wayne was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in El Paso. It was during his time in the Army that a fellow soldier taught him to fly an airplane. He developed a lifelong love of flying, becoming a pilot and flying his own planes for more than 40 years.
After his military service, Wayne moved to Rockdale, where he would make his home for the rest of his life.
In 1974, he married his wife, Jeanie. They shared 52 years of marriage filled with family, travel, and countless adventures.
Wayne was a lifelong entrepreneur and, above all, a hard worker. He started working while still in high school, running a bulldozer, digging ponds and even helping build a 15-acre lake on the family property.
After the Army, he joined the family business drilling water wells and operating a minnow farm. The family eventually expanded into B&B Drilling Co., drilling oil wells throughout Central Texas— it became one of his passions. The family businesses also included B&B Minnow Farm, B&B Contractors, and B&B Supplies.
After retiring from the family business after 30 years, Wayne went into the car wash business with his son, Chuck, and together they started Car Wash Connections.
He also enjoyed going to auctions, where he bought and sold equipment. Wayne loved to work and was known for his famous response when asked what he was doing: “Solid workin’.” He was solid workin’ until the end.
Wayne enjoyed many hobbies during his lifetime. He loved fishing, hunting, spending time in Port Aransas and captaining the company yacht, the Wildcatter. He loved to water ski and snow ski, and he and Jeanie traveled together, visiting many national parks and most of the states across the country.
Some of h i s g reatest joys came from watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their ball games and activities.
Wayne had a genuine love of life and was very social, never meeting a stranger. He was always ready to tell a story, a joke, or have a good conversation with anyone who would listen.
Wayne had a can-do attitude and a confidence that carried him through a life filled with work, adventure, and success. He lived life fully, worked hard and loved his family. He rarely met a challenge he didn’t think he could tackle.
He will be deeply missed by everyone who loved him.
Wayne was a longtime member of Tanglewood Baptist Church, where he faithfully served on numerous church committees.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 52 years, Jeanie Betchan; his daughters, Vicki (Bobby) Moore and Ralynn (John) Perrin; his stepson, Phillip “Bubba” Wells; his grandchildren, Valarie (Andy) Willingham, Brandon (Misti) Moore, James (Kerri) Moore, Mendy (Chris) Baker, Thomas (Ammi) Betchan, Elliott (Hallie) Perrin, and Jillian Perrin; his step-grandchildren, Chasity (Scott) Jensen, Meghan (Josh) Whiteley, Logan (Kasey) Dellerman, and Hollie (Billy) Anderson; as well as 12 great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren and one more on the way.
He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Denise Betchan; sister-in-law, Diane (Roy) Simpson; brothers, Stanley (Joyce) Betchan and Donnie (Ernestine) Betchan; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ruby Betchan; his son, Chuck Betchan; his stepdaughter, Susan Wells; and his sister-in-law, Susie Woelfel.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Moore, James Moore, Thomas Betchan, Elliott Perrin, Andy Willingham and Chris Baker.
Memorial donations may be made to Tanglewood Baptist Church.