Stanley Beggs

Stanley Keith Beggs, 82, of Jackson passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at his home.

He was born June 27, 1936, in Cape Girardeau, son of William H. and Laura H. Ochs Beggs. He and LaDonia Faye Bock were married Aug. 14, 1955; she survives.

As an active member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson, he was a church councilman, Sunday school teacher, head usher and member of the Shannondale Commission, along with numerous other church activities.

Stanley began working in the family apple and peach orchard, known as Pioneer Orchard, while in the seventh grade. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1954. Prior to graduation, in 1953, he began his military career by joining the Company E 1140th Infantry Regiment 35th Infantry Division in Jackson as a private, eventually attaining lieutenant colonel. He attended University of Missouri, Columbia, was a member of the Apple Merchandising Committee and attained the position of president of the Missouri Horticulturist Committee. He graduated with a B.S. in Agriculture, with an emphasis on horticulture.

Locally, Stanley was a past Rotary Club president, a member of the Jackson Garden Club, the American Legion, was active in the local Boy Scouts Troop No. 311 and was a former 32nd degree member of the Masonic Lodge in Jackson and former member of the Scottish Rite, Shriners Club and Eastern Star. He enjoyed being a clown and entertaining children with the Shriners Club.

Stanley Beggs

Stanley enjoyed traveling, but more so, he loved gatherings with his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

His military advancements included being commissioned as a lieutenant in 1961; platoon leader and executive officer; commander of Company E 1140th Infantry Division; communication officer with Headquarters Company 13th Engineer Group; graduate of Command General Staff College, Leavenworth, Kansas in 1974; logistics officer of the 35th Engineer Brigade at Jefferson Barracks; and was assigned to the 5151st Engineer Group U.S. Army Reserves. He then served various tours, (including two tours in Germany) at Headquarters Department of the Army, where he was awarded the Legion of Merit Award (one of the highest military awards presented for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service and achievements.)

In addition to his loving wife of 63 years, LaDonia Beggs of Jackson, survivors include three sons, Dean Beggs, Scott (Darla) Beggs and Layton (Heather) Beggs, all of Jackson; seven grandchildren, Michael Beggs, Catherine Beggs, Hunter Beggs, Audrey Beggs, Morgan (Lance) Hoffman, Bailey Beggs and Clara Beggs; two brothers, William J. (Shirley) Beggs of Cape Girardeau and Sam K. (Margaret) Beggs of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

The visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Chapel A at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 304 E. Adams St., Jackson.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Revs. Joe Rowley and Sam Roethemeyer officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors.

The family suggests contributions be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ or to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.