Rep. Carol Beggs, R-Salina, dies after battle with illness

? Republican Rep. Carol Beggs died Wednesday night at a Topeka hospital after a protracted fight with pneumonia, legislators said Thursday.

Beggs, 77, of Salina, had been hospitalized since September. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and their three children. He was re-elected in November and took his oath of office earlier this month in the hospital.

“He was an excellent representative. He was very conscientious,” said Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, who served 10 years with Beggs in the House. “Aside from that, he was a very good guy. We’ll miss him.”

Elected to the House in 1994, Beggs served as vice chairman of the House Education Committee until this session. He also was a Salina city commissioner from 1989 to 1995 and mayor of Salina from 1992 to 1993.

House Education Committee Chairwoman Kathe Decker said Beggs also would be missed for his rendition of the Irish ballad “Danny Boy,” which Beggs would play on the harmonica on St. Patrick’s Day on the House floor.

“He lived a full life,” said Decker, R-Clay Center. “He just loved being around people, being silly. Everyone always said he was a great guy.”

Beggs was a native of Salina, graduating from Salina High School in 1944 before joining the military during World War II. He attended Kansas Wesleyan College in Salina and the University of Colorado.

He also was president of Beggs Yamaha Cycleland in Salina and a member of numerous civic and veterans groups.

Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina and who served with Beggs on the Salina city commission from 1991 to 1994, said those life experiences shaped Beggs’ work in public service.

“He was a guy with a lot of humor. Kind of a colorful character,” Brungardt said.

Decker said legislators were unable to visit Beggs during his illness because he was too weak. Most were hopeful that he would make a recovery and join them during the 2005 session.

“There were a lot of prayers said for him,” Decker said.

A replacement for Beggs in the House will be nominated by the Republicans Party leadership in Saline County, to be appointed by the governor.

Funeral arrangements were being handled by Ryan Mortuary, of Salina, and were incomplete Thursday afternoon.