2021ObituariesMichael “Shane” Bethea

October 13, 1970 ~ August 28, 2021

Michael “Shane” Bethea passed away at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Saturday August 28, after a month long battle against Covid 19 and other complications. He departed this life at the age of 50.  He was a beloved husband, father, son, and brother. He is survived by his best friend and adoring wife Kristin A. Bethea and his loving mother Beverly Smith Bethea. He also leaves behind his cherished daughters, Bree Star Bethea, Alexandra Bethea-Alessi, and step-children Gage Mendow and Madaleine Alessi. In addition, he sadly leaves behind his brother James Robert Bethea, Jr (Cindy), Sister, Lyn Bethea Brady (Jeff), In-Laws; Tim and Alys Richardson, Sisters-in-Law; Laura Richardson Rogers (Preston) and Marie Ashton. He is also survived by many precious cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was proceeded in death by his father, James Robert Bethea, Sr.

Shane primarily grew up around Denham Springs and Baton Rouge.  He spent a great deal of       time exploring the outdoors and building trails with friends to ride BMX bikes on. The close friends made through their shared obsession with everything BMX, lovingly referred to him by his longtime nickname of “Potatoes”. He played a large role in building up the BMX and bike community that is so popular in Baton Rouge today. He was also extremely passionate about music and spent a great deal of time going to concerts and shows with his friends and family through out his life. Up until his final day, music was hugely important to him and he had a special place in his heart for friendships and close connections he made through his love for music.

Shane was a LA licensed Journeyman Plumber by trade through out the majority of his adult life. He worked most of his career on large commercial job-sites and took great pride in working with his hands. He helped build the new Woman’s Hospital, Costco and many other hospitals, schools and state buildings throughout Louisiana. Not only did he work as a plumber, but also worked many other types of construction as well. For the last year of his life he enjoyed working for his brother’s company, JMC Construction, where he spent a lot of time doing important repairs and maintenance for nursing homes in our area.

Shane will be remembered as a smart, funny man with a unique charismatic charm and wit. Despite facing many challenges throughout his life, he had a huge heart for those he loved. He spent a great deal of time reading his Bible and in prayer. He said one of the greatest days of his life was when he was baptized and wasn’t afraid to tell anyone that he was a Christian. He loved the Lord God with all his heart and believed that when his final day came, he would be called home to be with Jesus. He fought extremely hard against the unexpected illness that took his life, but in the end his body was tired and he could no longer hold on. Although it is extremely hard for those of us left behind, who already miss him terribly, we know we will be reunited with him again one day in Heaven.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to family friend and caregiver Lisa Alberes, who Shane said was like another member of the family. We would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses and other staff at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, especially the team on the “Special Disease Unit” who worked so hard for so long caring for our dear Shane. We thank them for being there for him during the many hours family couldn’t be with him due to Covid restrictions.

No memorial service has been scheduled at this time. Please feel free to leave any memories, messages or condolences on the online guest book at www.sealefuneral.com.