Joe Carl Beggs

Joe Carl Beggs, 87, passed away peacefully on Nov. 10, 2012, at Concordia Nursing Home in Bella Vista, Ark. He was born on Jan. 27, 1925, in Salina, Kan., and was the son of John L. and Emma Lee Beggs. Moving to Ellis, Kan., Joe graduated from high school in 1943 and attended Fort Hays State University, where he was a natural athlete excelling in football, swimming and diving. He developed a love for the outdoors and also enjoyed hunting and fishing activities. Joe joined the Marine Corps in 1944, where he eventually rose to the rank of staff sergeant. On Feb. 19, 1945, as a private first class, Joe's regiment led the assault of Iwo Jima with Joe being the second Marine to hit the beach landing on Landing Beach Red at the base of Mt. Suribachi. A few days later, Joe's Marine company would guard the flag-raisers at the summit of Mt. Suribachi. He received four Purple Hearts for wounds he received on the island. He was also nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor for single-handedly saving his platoon which was pinned down and being decimated by enemy sniper fire. In 1948, while living in Ellis, Kan., Joe married Betty Cripps of Santa Monica, Calif. They had one daughter, Laura. Joe then began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad. Making the transition from steam to diesel electric, Joe retired as an engineer in 1984. Joe and Betty moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where they enjoyed golf and bowling, winning numerous trophies and tournaments. Joe bowled a perfect "300" game. He was also a member of the Elks and the Masons. After Betty passed away, Joe met and soon married Lorene Terry of Bella Vista. Joe and Lorene enjoyed dancing, their many friends, family, church and traveling around the world. Joe is survived by his wife, Lorene Terry Beggs of the home; daughter, Laura McCoy of Chipley, Fla.; stepson, John B. Terry II of Bella Vista, Ark.; stepdaughter, Wanda (Terry) Carlin of Springdale, Ark.; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Joyce Winn of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Sara Neuherz of Pittsburgh, Pa. A celebration of life will be held at Highland Christian Church on Highway 279 in Bella Vista, Ark., on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at 3 p.m. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Highland Christian Church in Bella Vista, Ark. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.