Dr. Richard Thomas Bothel

Dr. Richard Bothel enjoyed anything outdoors and appreciated creatures of all kinds.  He loved educating people about the importance of always admiring the beauty of nature that surrounds us daily.  He recently returned from a Canadian fishing trip which was one of his number one enjoyments.  He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lillian Bothel, three children and one grandson, daughters, Jamie Kenyon and husband, Matt of Indianapolis, IN, and Jennifer Bothel of Beaumont, TX, son, Jonathon Bothel of Beaumont, TX, and grandson, Samuel Kenyon.  Dr. Bothel, died at his home in Beaumont on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the age of 69.  He was born on December 17, 1946 in Canton, Ohio.

Dr. Bothel received his Ed.D. from Ball State University along with an M.A. in information/communication sciences and an M.S. in adult education, a Bachelor's degree in speech education from Butler University. He was an administrator and teacher in higher education at the United States Sports Academy, Troy University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Lamar University.

Dr. Bothel had a significant record of success as a teacher, education administrator, corporate manager, entrepreneur, writer, speaker, broadcaster, and outdoor sportsman. His area of special interest was the outdoors. He is nationally recognized in education and business. He was a USCG Captain with a Master's License. He owned one of the largest dog training schools in the Midwest, was a Master Gardener, and participant in the Texas Master Naturalist Program.

Dr. Bothel’s academic articles have appeared in publications such as The Journal of Distance Learning Administration, Planning for Higher Education, T.H.E. Journal: Technological Horizons in Education, Ed Journal, The Education Digest, The Community College Journal, Adult Learning, Community Education Journal, and Teaching Today. Toastmasters International awarded him their highest designation, Distinguished Toastmaster.

Dr. Bothel’s writings have also appeared in a variety of national outdoor magazines including Game and Fish who publish Texas Sportsman. Richard was a B.A.S.S. Top Six State Champion and competed in the first national B.A.S.S. Federation championship. He published three books: Hog Dogged, Nature Quotient and Outdoor Professor Tips.

His service and community activities include Leadership Beaumont, Board Member-Texas Energy Museum Board,  Board President/Founder-Environmental Learning and Research Center, Toastmasters International (Numerous Offices—Area Governor, Board Member-Taking Flight-TI in Prisons, Rotary International (Troy, Alabama and Beaumont, Texas-Paul Harris Fellow) Leadership North Carolina Graduate, Naturalist Volunteer for Indianapolis Parks Department, Indianapolis Mayor's Citation for Community Contribution, Indiana Work-Release Sponsor Optimists International Indiana Youth Retreats/Summer Camps, Photography/Darkroom Operations/Printing Optimists International (Indianapolis, Indiana).

His family will receive friends at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church of Beaumont Friday, September 2, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Reverend Tom Phelan. 

In lieu of flowers, donation in honor of Dr. Richard Thomas Bothel may be made to The Big Thicket National Preserve, attn: Audrey Ashcraft, 6044 FM 420, Kountze, Texas, 77625.