Elmer Segne Begay, Sr.

Elmer Segne Begay, Sr. died in the very early morning hours of Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 79 years old. Elmer was born on July 20, 1933 in White Cone, Navajo County, Arizona where he has lived his entire life. As a young man, Elmer enlisted in the United States Army in May of 1953 and received his honorable discharge in April of 1955. During his time in the U.S. Army, Elmer served just as the Korean War was heating up. He received several medals for his service including: The National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Service Medal and The UN Service Medal. Elmer married his wife of nearly 57 years, Louise Edith (Lewis) Begay on May 12, 1956 in White Cone, Arizona. Also in his younger years, Elmer loved playing basketball. He was a key player on his team, The White Cone Braves. When his health no longer permitted him to play, he still enjoyed watching a good game on television. Not many people know, but as a young man, Elmer loved roping and competed regularly in rodeo events. As he grew older, Elmer was known as a familiar and friendly face to many hundreds of children as he drove a school bus for many years. He always enjoyed fishing with his children and had several "favorite" fishing holes throughout the state. Elmer also loved to go prairie dog hunting around White Cone and did his part to rid the area them. Too, Elmer loved to play B-I-N-G-O and his ears always perked up when he heard a good game was getting underway! He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and regularly enjoyed the visits of the Elders of The Church. Elmer is survived by: his wife, Louise Edith Begay of White Cone, Arizona; 6 children: Norma (Victor) Mendoza of Surprise, Arizona, Patty Begay of White Cone, Arizona, Priscilla Begay of White Cone, Arizona, Yolanda (Alfred) Salcido of White Cone, Arizona, E. Steve Begay of White Cone, Arizona, Nora (Herman) Begay of White Cone, Arizona; 6 siblings: Gladys (Bitoney) Begay of Teetso, Arizona, Verna S. Keyonnie of White Cone, Arizona, Irene S. (Leo) Cummings of White Cone, Arizona, Elsie S. Sangster of White Cone, Arizona, Felix S. Begay of Jedditto, Arizona, Finnie (Sarah) Begay of White Cone, Arizona; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Elmer is preceded in death by: 1 daughter, Diana Lou McMillan; 3 brothers: Jack Woody, Sr., Phillip S. Begay, Jarvis S. Begay and 1 granddaughter, Udell Marie Begay. Elmer's funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at the Holbrook Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1127 Helen Avenue in Holbrook, Arizona where the visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service with military honors and interment will follow at 12 Noon at the Holbrook Cemetery.