Walter E. Beggs

SIOUX CITY -- Walter E. Beggs, 85, of Sioux City died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at a Sioux City hospital following a brief illness.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel, with the Rev. Matthew Miller, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a Masonic service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Walter was born May 15, 1924, in Sioux City, the son of Walter and Pearl (Miner) Beggs. His father owned and operated Beggs & Dick Grocery at 2707 Pierce St. for many years. Walter attended Sioux City Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1942. In the fall of 1942, Walter enrolled at the University of Iowa and joined the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

While at the University of Iowa, Walter joined the U.S. Army Air Force. He served during World War II in North Africa and India and was flown over the "Hump," the Himalayas to China, where he joined the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force. During this time he was involved in photo reconnaissance and other types of photography. For a good share of the time, Walter was stationed in Kunming, China, which was the Flying Tigers' headquarters.

He married Emma Louise Baird in July of 1955. She died in 1981. When "Lou" was alive, they had annual Chinese New Year parties for about 25 of their friends. They both liked to travel to other countries and made many trips to Asia, Europe and South America. After the war, Walter returned to Sioux City, and he decided to continue with photography. He went to New York for several months to learn new techniques. He returned to Sioux City and operated his own photography studio until 2000.

Walter had been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1940. He was a member of the Landmark Masonic Lodge 103 A.F.&A.M. and the Junior and Senior Chamber of Commerce. He had served as president and vice president of the Advertising Club and served on the Sioux City Museum Board for 11 years, on the Castle on the Hill Board as well as the Humane Society Board. He was a member of the Press Club, Siouxland Adjusters Association and Professional Photography of America. He also served on the board of governors of the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force Association for 12 years.

Survivors include a niece and nephew, both of Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Emma Louise; and a brother, Robert Beggs.

Pallbearers will be Rob Beggs, Ron Ruhrer Sr., Vinton Hayden, Jim Titus, George Semple and Dick Semple.

Memorials may be made in his name to Shriners Hospitals for Children.