Salina ? Republican Rep. Carol Beggs was remembered Monday as a charming, popular lawmaker who devoted his life to his family and the public.

A capacity crowd that included Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Rep. Jerry Moran, Atty. Gen. Phill Kline and several state legislators attended services for Beggs, 77, of Salina, who died Wednesday from pneumonia.

Former state Sen. Ben Vidricksen said Beggs, his longtime friend, used charm, wit, intelligence and even talent on the harmonica to form strong bonds with other lawmakers.

“He was ready to support any of the other legislators he worked with. He was very well-liked in the halls of that beautiful building we have in Topeka that we all call our Capitol. He will be missed, there is no question,” Vidricksen said.

Beggs, a former Salina city commissioner and mayor, served 10 years in the state Legislature.

“The nation lost a patriot, Kansas lost a statesman, Salina lost a civic leader, and I lost a friend,” Vidricksen told those gathered at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

The Rev. Joel Remmers, pastor of the church, said Beggs served his community not only in the Capitol and in city offices but also in nonprofit groups such as the Lions Club, the Salvation Army and the Masonic Lodge.

“We can say thanks to the Lord for someone who’s willing to do those types of things,” Remmers said. “We say thanks to the Lord for a life that is as long as his was and as good health as his was, for as long as it was, that he could accomplish those types of things.”

After the service, Sebelius praised Beggs for his work in the Legislature.

“He loved what he did, he loved to be in the Capitol. He just enjoyed the work, and he really came in to get some things done,” Sebelius said. “He cared about the people he represented; he cared about the state. And he worked hard on the issues he believed in for folks in Salina. We could use him this year. We’re going to have some tough decisions. He’ll be missed.”

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