Thomas A. "Tom" Began, 84 of Effingham, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 11, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to time of service, Friday morning at the church. Memorial donations may be given to the library at Sacred Heart Grade School.

Tom was born August 20, 1936 in Effingham, the son of Gerald and Gertrude (Haumesser) Began. He graduated from St. Anthony High School on May 30, 1954. Tom joined the United States Marine Corps. on March 23, 1956 and was honorably discharged on March 22, 1962. He married Catherine Ann Dirks on October 4, 1958 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Tom was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham and the Effingham Knights of Columbus Council #665.

Tom is survived by his wife, Catherine of Effingham; children, Michael Allen (Alison) Began of Watson, Nancy Ann (Marty) Huskey of Vandalia and Robert Anthony (Julie) Began of Altamont; eight grandchildren, Michael, Maria, David (Brittney), Dustin, Danielle (Skylar), Hannah (Brandon), Tad (Mason) and Craig (Christina); six great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Thomas; granddaughter, Heather and son-in-law, Dave Crye Jr.