Russell "Russ" Duncan Begley's Obituary
Russell (“Russ”) Duncan Begley, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 21st, 2022.
Russ was born on July 19th,1936 in Centerton, Arkansas to Hope Duncan and Olen Begley. Russ grew up in Centerton (pop. 200) and later in Rogers, Arkansas. He graduated in 1954 from Rogers High School where he was active in all sports but particularly in baseball. Russ then attended the University of Arkansas for two years before moving to St. Louis, Missouri in 1957. While living in St. Louis, Russ frequented Fern’s Diner located on Hamilton and Cabanne Avenue. Working behind the counter every day for her mom (Fern) was Shirley Ann Black. She took instant notice of the handsome, shy young man from Arkansas. After months of hints not taken, Shirley finally asked him out. Their first date in January 1959 sparked a 63- year romance. In September 1959, Russ was enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the United States and in Germany until September 1961. Russ and Shirley didn’t hear each other’s voices for nearly two years but wrote letters every day. On November 25, 1961, Russ and Shirley were married at Tower Grove Baptist Church. In 1972, Russ and Shirley welcomed a son into their family. Bryan Begley was born December 1st,1971 and adopted by Russ and Shirley in April 1972.
While working full-time for Sherwood Medical and Emerson Electric, Russ completed his bachelor’s degree in engineering at Washington University in St. Louis in 1976. In 1977, Russ and Shirley moved their family to Oklahoma City, OK where he became the lead engineer for Unarco, the original manufacturer of the shopping cart. Russ would spend the next 20 years of his career with Unarco, eventually rising to President of the company. His career with Unarco moved the family to Wagoner, OK and then Muskogee, OK in 1987, where he and Shirley would reside for over 20 years. Before full retirement, Russ was the founding manager and an instructor at the OSU-Okmulgee advanced technical training center at the Mid-America industrial park in Pryor, OK. Russ finished his career passing on his experience and knowledge to students, most of whom were working while they pursued more education, just as he had decades earlier. Russ and Shirley moved to Keller, TX in 2009 to be near their son and his family.
Russ was a committed and loving husband and father. He invested hours with his son in every sport. He never missed his son’s ball games. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and spoke often to his son about his favorite players Stan Musial and Bob Gibson. Russ was a highly skilled bridge player, and he and Shirley loved to play duplicate bridge with their friends. He and Shirley were active square dancers in Muskogee, OK and in Keller, TX. Russ and Shirley were also active members of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Muskogee, OK. Russ was most happy simply being with his family and enjoying the simple pleasures of a good meal, a good movie, and a weekend watching college and pro football with his wife, his son and his daughter in law and granddaughters.
Russ is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Begley, his sister Louise Oler, his niece and nephew, Debbie Andra and Bart Oler, his son Bryan Begley, his daughter-in-law Jessica Begley, and his grand daughters Ashton Begley and Madison Begley.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Baylor Scott & White Grapevine hospital. They are proof that angels walk amongst us.
A service to honor Russ will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday November 25th, 2022 at the Floral Haven Funeral Home chapel in Broken Arrow, OK.
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