Bert E. Beeghly

1924 - 2010

Bert E. Beeghly, longtime resident of the Bartlesville and Dewey communities, passed away at his residence on Thursday, September 30, 2010, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bert was born in Olathe, Kansas, on September 26, 1924, the son of Albert Welch Beeghly and Hazel Marie (Ferguson) Beeghly. He received his schooling in the Olathe public schools, and when his family moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, he graduated from Leavenworth High School.
After graduation he joined the Naval Aviation Cadet program, and earned his wings as a pilot in the United States Marine Corps. His military service included combat in the South Pacific.
After World War II service he enrolled as a student at Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas, where he met and married Mary Rae Rogers. They moved to Manhattan, Kansas, and Mr. Beeghly earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University.
Upon acceptance of a position with Phillips Petroleum Company he and his family moved to Bartlesville. After some time in the engineering department he began working for Phillips Pipe Line Company where he enjoyed a long and colorful career, eventually retiring as Manager, Technical Services.
During the Korean Conflict he was recalled to active duty with the Marine Corps, and flew his favorite plane, the Corsair, in combat from aircraft carriers. He retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Major.
Some of his honors through the years include becoming a registered Professional Engineer, a member of Pi Tau Sigma and Sigma Tau engineering societies, and receiving a patent for pipeline equipment.
Mr. Beeghly was a long-time member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers, where he was a long-time MathCounts volunteer; and Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, where he served as Trustee and in other service capacities.
He served with the Civil Air Patrol, and for many years helped with the planning and operations of the annual Bi-plane Fly-in in Bartlesville.
After retirement from Phillips he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, which he particularly enjoyed.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Rae of the home; daughter Victoria Rieke, and her husband Michael, of Houston; son, Mark W. Beeghly, and his best friend Carolyn Neely, of Tulsa; and twin daughters Jeannette Peabody and her husband, Bruce, and Jennifer Herren and her husband, Randy, all of Bartlesville.
His grandchildren are Noah Rieke, Los Angeles; Eric Beeghly, Tulsa; Allison Beeghly Cates, Chandler, Arizona; Lindsay Rae Peabody, Abby Rae Herren, and Hank Herren, all of Bartlesville.
Last year he welcomed into the family his first great-grandchild, Christian Cates, known as C.J.
His family honored him as a man who was courageous, honest, and hard-working, who loved them unconditionally and did his best for them in every way. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Bartlesville, or the Washington County SPCA.