February 12, 2013

The Kansas House has honored a member who died last year by putting his name on the wooden ballot box he built for use in races for leadership positions.

The chamber unanimously adopted a resolution Monday bestowing the honor on the late Rep. Bob Bethell. The Alden Republican had served in the House since 1999 and died in a one-car accident while driving home after the 2012 legislative session ended.

Bethell, a Baptist minister and talented wood worker, made the ballot box because he thought leadership elections deserved something better than the shoe boxes previously used. He finished the project in 2004.

The box had been displayed in the office of the Legislative Administrative Services director. It's now in the care of the House sergeant at arms.