Howard Lane Beagles, 97, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, at a rehabilitation facility in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

 He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 9, 1928, to Eugene and Frances (McGurk) Beagles. Baptized into the Catholic faith on September 23, 1928, Howard’s life was guided by his strong faith and love for family. Early in life, during the Great Depression era, he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Margaret “Maudie” (McGurk) and Guy Briscoe, of Springfield, Illinois, the town in which he would be raised, and continue to live for many decades.

 After attending high school, Howard chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy in the spring of 1946, spending time in California refurbishing Navy battleships at the end of World War II. Following his service, he returned home and soon married the love of his life, Mary Anne Renfro, on February 2, 1948, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Their marriage of sixty-two years was a testament to devotion, laughter, and enduring faith. Mary Anne passed on November 9, 2010. He was also preceded in death by a son, Barry Joseph Beagles, who is survived by his widow April and their son Andy.

 Howard and Mary Ann lovingly raised six children in a home filled with faith, support, and kindness. He is survived by five of them: Anne Raymond of Murfreesboro, TN; Rita (Allen) Drake of Illinois; Gerry (Cindy Haworth) of Palos Heights, IL; Fr. David Beagles of Robinson, IL; and Tom (Holly) of Northbrook, IL.

 Howard’s influence extends through generations, with fifteen grandchildren—Andy Beagles; Joseph Raymond; Michael (Kelly) Raymond; Gina (Eric Porter) Raymond; Jeffrey Raymond; Matthew (Nico) Drake; John (Christina) Drake; Carl (Kristen) Drake; Jim (Maureen) Drake; Sarah (Ryan) Eisenmann; Stephen (Joanne) Beagles; Danny (Karen) Beagles; Allie Beagles; Sam Beagles; and Nora Beagles—and thirty-two great-grandchildren, including one soon to arrive to Jim and Maureen. Jaimie Raymond, mother of three great-grandchildren, continues to be an involved, supportive family member.

 A decent and humble man, Howard worked very hard to take care of his family. He worked for years at the Allis Chalmers Factory and then dedicated three decades to the Springfield Fire Department, beginning in 1960 and retiring as Fire Marshal thirty years later. His commitment to public safety and his colleagues earned him deep respect throughout the community.

 Howard and Mary Ann were devoted parishioners of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, where they raised their family, served in the adult choir, and dedicated countless hours to parish activities—PTA leadership, bingo nights, ice cream socials, and parish dinners. Howard was also a long-time member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, carrying his faith into service to others.

 After retirement, Howard enjoyed spending time with family and friends, visiting his children across Illinois and Tennessee. In 2015, he moved to live with his daughter Rita and her husband Allen, later dividing his time between their home, Anne’s home in Murfreesboro, and Gerry and Cindy’s in Palos Heights. His kindness, humor, and laughter brought joy to every gathering. This would certainly be true if games of pinochle were being played or if he began sharing some of his fantastic stories!

 Howard’s life was defined by faith, service, and love of family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with gratitude by all who knew him.

 Staab Funeral Home of Springfield is handling the arrangements, with visitation there from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The Mass of Christian Burial is the next afternoon, April 24, 2026, at 12:30 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

 Donations in Howard’s honor can be made to Garden Center Services (Burbank, Illinois) and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

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