Sam Beggs

Sammy K. "Sam" -- also known to many as "Dadzo" -- Beggs, 79, of Jackson passed away peacefully at home Sunday, May 14, 2023, after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Sam was born in St. Louis Oct. 24, 1943, son of the late William H. and Laura Ochs Beggs.

He attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson, where he met his wife, Margaret Decker, in first grade. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1962, Sam attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned his bachelor's degree in horticulture.

Sam and Margaret married June 7, 1964, at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Jackson, and to their union were born three children -- Samuel David "Davy" Beggs, Laura Beggs Butsch and Sarah Beggs.

Upon graduation from college, Sam inherited a piece of land and a small roadside produce business on Highway 72 in Jackson, eventually expanding it into the beloved Pioneer Orchard Market. He eventually added a garden center and nursery and operated it until his retirement in 2013.

Sam lived a very fulfilling and busy life, enjoying time at his cabin on the Current River in Van Buren, Missouri; boating and floating; riding motorcycles and four-wheelers; mowing his lawn; cooking and grilling for family, friends and his employees; playing cards and board games with friends and family; loving his dachshunds; and traveling around the United States and abroad.

Sam served St. Paul Lutheran Church as an usher and in many volunteer capacities. He was also a decades-long member of Jackson Rotary Club and various civic and service organizations.

Sam loved everyone, never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

His loving survivors include his wife of nearly 59 years, Margaret; son, Davy (Sarah Wallace Beggs) Beggs of Jackson; daughters, Laura (David) Butsch of St. Louis and Sarah Beggs of Jackson; seven grandchildren, Shelby (Dennis) Murphy of Jackson, Colten (Lacey) Cook of Burfordville, Alexandria (Ty) Schejbal of St. Louis, Kelly Cook of Jackson and Henry Butsch, Ellen Butsch and Lucia Butsch, all of Chicago; and three great-grandchildren, Davy Louise Cook, Whitley Cook and Wyatt Cook.

Survivors also include his brother, William Joseph (Shirley) Beggs of Cape Girardeau; sister-in-law, LaDonia (the late Stanley) Beggs of Jackson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Stanley Beggs.

In keeping with Sam's wishes to continue to help others, his body was donated to St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis for ALS/medical research.

A celebration of life memorial visitation will be from 3 p.m. until service time Tuesday, May 23, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

A celebration of life memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at the church with the Rev. Joshua Schmidt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the ALS Association or St. Paul Lutheran Church and School of Jackson.

Sam's family entrusted McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center with his final arrangements.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting Sam's obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com/obituary/SammySam-Beggs.