ELBERFELD — Ferdinand “Bud” “Pete” Bethe, Jr., 85, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at Gibson General Hospital.

He was born May 29, 1924 in Elberfeld.

He was a coal miner and retired from Peabody Coal Co., a truck driver and a welder. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Elberfeld. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

He was a member of American Legion Post 351 in Elberfeld and a member of VFW 2714 in Ft. Branch.

Survivors include a son, Steven Bethe; sisters, Wanda Bethe, Evelyn Butcher; and brothers, Alfred and Lowell Bethe.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at Alexander North Chapel, with the Rev. Rick Bender officiating. Burial will be in North View Cemetery in Elberfeld.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m.Thursday at the funeral home.