LHS Principal Rafe Begley Passes Away
KSCB News - July 1, 2015 8:16 am
LHS principal Rafe Begley passed away last night after a bout with cancer. This was his first year as head principal at LHS after he was assistant principal under Keith Adams. He began working at LHS in August of 2006. He was also a teacher and coach at Hugoton. We will have more information on Begley and what’s next for the high school as it becomes available.
USD 480 issued this statement:
It is with great sadness that USD 480 has learned of the passing of Rafe Begley, principal at Liberal High School. Mr. Begley began his service with USD 480 as Assistant Principal at Liberal High School in July of 2006. He served in that capicity until July of 2014 when he was named Head Principal of LHS. Mr. Begley will be remembered for his commitment to LHS staff and students. Counselors will be available today at Liberal High School from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for students and staff.
OBITUARY:
Mitchell Rafe Begley , 54, died Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at his residence in Liberal.
He was born April 4, 1961 at Guymon, OK, the son of Jack Vernon and Christene LaVerne (Jones) Begley.
He was a 1979 graduate of Goodwell High School and in 1983, he graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK with a Bachelor’s degree. In 2005, he earned his Master’s in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS.
He had taught for 20 years in Hugoton at USD 210, teaching Biology, Anatomy and Physiology. He had been in Liberal since 2006 working at USD 480 in Administration for Liberal High School. He was the current Principal at LHS.
On June 3, 1993, he married Joyce Ellen Nichols in Las Vegas, NV. She survives.
Other survivors include:
2 Sons – Benjamin N. Sumner, Lawrence, KS
and Michael D. Begley, Liberal, KS
Mother – Christene LaVerne Begley, Godwell, OK
Brother – Scott Eric Begley, Goodwell, OK
and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Jack V. Begley.
Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 3rd at the Liberal High School Auditorium with Pastor Andrew Wehling presiding. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to Pheasant Heaven Charities, Inc, Hugoton, KS or to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com
