Thomas E. Begley

Thomas “Tom” Begley died peacefully at the Denver Hospice in Denver, CO on Friday, April 26, 2019 after a long journey with dementia. Tom was 86.

Tom was born in Omak, Washington on May 30, 1932 to his parents, Elbert Jesse Begley & Leona Blanche Ragan. Tom was the sole brother with 6 sisters: Barbara, Betty, Kay, Margaret, Carol and Beverly. After graduating from high school in Omak in 1950, Tom joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed around the world including time in Greenland, Newfoundland, the Philippines, and the Pentagon. In 1954, he met Elizabeth Biltz (Bettye) while stationed at Lowry Air Force base and, after some coaxing, the two were soon married. After 20 years of service in the Air Force, Tom retired in 1972. Tom & Bettye moved to Denver to be near family and Tom started a 20 year service career with Sears & Roebuck as an appliance repairman.

In life, Tom was known for his gregarious personality, innate humor, and his deep love for Bettye. He enjoyed being active and traveling the world scuba diving, skiing, camping with family and friends, and making his world-famous pancakes in Creede. Tom could often be found reciting lyrics from 1940s songs or telling jokes to make others smile.

Tom is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bettye, and his parents and his sisters Betty and Beverly. Although Tom & Bettye never had children, Tom leaves behind several nieces & nephews that he treated like his own.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, May 13th at 10 AM, Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80219. Military burial at Fort Logan is scheduled to occur at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s life. Flowers and condolences can be sent to 2743 Galena Street, Denver, CO 80238.

Funeral Mass: May 13, 2019 10:00 am

Notre Dame Catholic Church
2190 S. Sheridan Blvd
Denver, CO 80219

Burial: May 13, 2019 1:00 pm

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 761-0117
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftlogan.asp