Robert E. Begin

Begin Robert E. Begin, age 88, of Oakwood Village, Springfield, Ohio, died July 1, 2014. Bob was born in Sidney, Ohio to Joseph D. Begin and LaDonna R. (Cleckner) Begin on October 4, 1925. After living in Urbana, Ohio, the family moved to Hamilton, Ohio, where he graduated from high school. He served in the U.S. Navy as a 2nd class sonar man aboard the destroyer William D. Porter and patrol craft USS PCE 881 during WWII. After the Navy he graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and spent his working life of 40 years as an engineer. He retired from North American-Rockwell and Wright Patterson AFB in 1990. He married Grace L. Beeken in Hamilton in 1947 and they had three sons. Grace died in 1994 and Bob remarried in 1995 to Gloria (Wenger) Schuler; a long time friend of both Grace's and Bob's. Bob loved serious music and played clarinet in the Kettering, Ohio, Civic Band for over 30 years and sang in numerous choirs and choruses. He organized and, for over 12 years, directed the Springfield Elderly United chorus the "Vintage Voices". Bob is survived by sons, Mark Begin (Debbie Burns), Kevin Begin (Svetlana Begin) and Dan Begin (Leslie Wilsong); his twin brother, Jerry (Norma) Begin and younger brother Dave (Sally) Begin. He is preceded in death by his wives Grace and Gloria. Private famliy inurnment will be held at Blendon Central Cemetery in Westerville, Ohio where he and Grace raised their family and where her cremains are buried. A memorial service will be held at Springfield Covenant Presbyterian Church, 201 N. Limestone Street, Springfield, OH on Thursday, July 10th at 11am. Donations may be made to Covenant church or Springfield Elderly United in lieu of flowers. Condolences at morelandfuneralhome.com.