John H. Begg

Columbus Grove

John H. Begg, 76, died at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 29, 2009, in Pinetta, Fla.

He was born Feb. 26, 1933, near Columbus Grove to John Edgar and Mary Esther VanMeter Begg, who preceded him in death. He had been married to Rosemary Meyer Begg, who survives in Lima.

Mr. Begg was a 1951 graduate of Columbus Grove High School and attended Michigan State University. He was a member of Columbus Grove Presbyterian Church. He was a lifelong farmer who, in retirement, enjoyed working and raising Belgium draft horses and miniature donkeys.

Survivors also include two sons, Jay (Stephanie) Begg, of Columbus Grove, and Robert Begg, of Medford, Ore.; two daughters, Valerie (Steve) Kiene, of Pandora, and Anne (Sam) Halker, of Lima; a brother, William (Beverly) Begg, of Bluffton; 10 grandchildren, Kelly (Eloise) Lawrence, Bryan (Stacy) Begg, Brittany Begg, Michael Kiene, Katie Kiene, Brandi (Phil) Trueblood, Matt Halker, Ross Begg, Evan Begg and Jonah (Cristy) Simon; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Shane Stewart.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. The Rev. Harry Tolhurst will officiate. Burial will be in Campbell Cemetery, Columbus Grove.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Allen County Fairgrounds Covered Horse Pavilion or the charity of the donor’s choice.