George Alexander Beggs

George Alexander Beggs, 91, a longtime resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was born near Hallowell, Kansas on August 15, 1921, the son of Allen D. and Marie (Cruickshank) Beggs. He attended rural schools, West Mineral High School and graduated from CCCHS, Columbus. After attending Parsons Junior College, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a major in music. In July 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he earned the rank of Master Sgt as a radar technician. Areas of service during World War II included the Pacific Islands, Midway, Johnston and the Marshalls. He was honorably discharged in 1946. In 1944, George was united in marriage to Madgelene Warren in Columbus, Kansas and they enjoyed nearly 70 years together until Madge"s death, April 5, 2013. Shortly after the Beggs" were married, Madge"s four youngest siblings, Donald, Ronald, Roger and Joyce became part of the Beggs" family after their parents died in 1947. He became an instrumental music teacher at Cedar Vale, Kansas, for 12 years, then moved to Fredonia where he continued to teach instrumental music in the Fredonia Public Schools for 22 years. He retired from teaching in 1981, but spent a number of years as a piano technician. George also played trumpet and saxophone with many area dance bands from Wichita to Joplin. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the First United Methodist Church. His survivors include: one daughter: Georgia Manguoglu of Salina, Kansas one granddaughter: Heather Jones of San Francisco, California two brothers-in law: Donald Warren of Seattle, Washington Roger Warren of Key Largo, Florida four sister-in-laws: Elaine Stewart of Pueblo, Colorado Sylvia Grasmich of La Junta, Colorado Carol Millard of Grand Island, Nebraska Joyce Toon of Branson, Missouri. George was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Byrl Beggs; and one grandson Steven Jones. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Timmons Funeral Home with Mike Myers officiating. Private inurnment will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. A memorial has been established in George's name with the Fredonia High School Band Department and donations may be sent to or left with Timmons Funeral Home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.