[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 14 (Thursday, February 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF REPRESENTATIVE CAROL BEGGS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                  in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Carol Beggs was many things to many 
people. He was a friend, a husband, a father, a soldier, and a 
lawmaker. In all of these, and throughout all his life, Carol lived to 
serve others. As a young man in the Navy during World War II, then as a 
lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, Carol served his country. As a 
commissioner, then mayor, in Salina, Kansas, he served his city. And 
finally, in his ten years in the Kansas House, Carol served his state.
  However, Carol Beggs was so much more than his titles. He was a man 
of thoughtfulness and action. He knew what he believed in, and he stood 
by his convictions. Though he faced tough decisions and took hard 
stances, Carol never lost his sense of humor. Even when disagreeing 
with fellow lawmakers, he knew how to lighten difficult moments and 
bring smiles to colleagues' faces.
  His quick wit kept people smiling and laughing, and so did his 
harmonica. In the halls of statehouse, staff and members alike fondly 
recall Carol's rendition of ``Danny Boy'' floating through the halls.
  There's nothing quite like ``Danny Boy'' being played on a harmonica, 
and Carol doing the playing made it even more special. I'm sure all who 
knew him think of him when they hear that song, more so now that he has 
passed.
  Carol Beggs passed away Wednesday night, January 19, after a long 
battle with pneumonia. He was 77 years old. His wife, Betty, says he 
went peacefully, in his sleep.
  Carol and Betty had been married for 54 years and had two sons, Dan 
and David. Up until it closed in 2000, the whole family helped run 
Beggs Yamaha Cycleland, a motorcycle shop Carol opened in 1949.
  I feel blessed to have known and to have served in the state 
legislature with Carol Beggs. He was a member of the Greatest 
Generation, and like so many of that generation, self was secondary to 
others. Entrepreneur, veteran, statesman, and loving family man. Carol 
leaves behind a legacy of courage, honor, and service--and his life 
serves as an example to all of us.

                          ____________________