Begin

Peter James Begin, of La Grange, at the age of 83 years old, passed away on Aug. 29, 2026, at his home with family by his side. He was born on May 31, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Peter lived a full and wonderful life. He served our country in the Navy for 13 years. He was Staff Yeoman, Commander Mine Division Twenty- One from Oct. 19, 1970 to Oct. 22, 1971. He was highly successful in improving the administrative readiness and procedures in Mine Divisions Eighty-One and Twenty-One. He contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the Division’s Mission. For this he received the Navy Achievement Medal. He also received “Certificate of Appreciation” and “Good Conduct Award.” He enjoyed being in the Navy not just for the achievements, but for the experience of traveling all over the world. He was honorably discharged due to health reasons.

He found his way to Texas, where he bought the O’Quinn Country Store. He loved that place so much. He had many events that kept his customers wanting more. He loved turning a task that needed to be done at the store into a contest. Like the “Outhouse Destruction Derby,” because he needed that structure to come down. He needed wood for the winter, so he held a “Wood Chopping Contest.” “Armadillo Races” was one of the customers’ favorites.

There were so many more events that he came up with. His imagination was wonderful! His dear friend who was a cartoonist drew a mirage of everything that happened at the store. He had it framed. It was a wonderful place to take your family and friends after a long work week.

After selling the store due to oil business decline, he moved to Houston where he worked as an automotive detailer and supervisor for several limousine companies. He enjoyed detailing vehicles so much. He just loved the outcome of each vehicle, He retired to La Grange, but didn’t retire from detailing. He opened his own detail business where he had numerous customers that turned into great friends. He also sold vehicles on consignment for his customers. He finally had to retire his detailing business in 2023 due to double bypass surgery.

Above all, Peter treasured his family and his dear, close friends. He is survived by his beloved ex-wife and best friend, Lorrie and husband Roberto. The three of them were lifelong friends and coparents of sons, Quinn and Alex. Lorrie was also a devoted caregiver who stayed with him until the end.

Peter is survived by his sons, Quinn Stewart Begin and wife, Michelle, and Alexander Ross Begin and wife, Melissa (Mel). He leaves behind his grandchildren, Thalia, Avianna, Tiago, Ayden, Jayed, and step-grandchild Alicia. He is also survived by his sisters, Joan McAuley, husband James (deceased), Patricia Bilpuch, husband Michael (deceased) and Margaret Kovacs and husband Richard.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother; Peter Thomas and Catherine Rita Begin. His sisters, Dorothy Clinton and her husband, William and Virginia (Jenny) Tyler and husband Roger.

He is also survived by seven brothers-in-law and seven sisters-in-law along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Peter will be remembered for his love and devotion to his sons Quinn and Alex, to all his dear friends, and to all his detail customers that he enjoyed meeting and keeping their cars spotless.

The family would like to thank Amanda and Carly with Hospice Brazos Valley for their excellent care they gave Peter.

Visitation will be held on Sept. 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory, 967 E. Colorado Street, La Grange. A graveside service will follow beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn.

Memorial donations can be made to Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter or to Hospice Brazos Valley.

Please visit www.fayette-memorialfuneralhome. com

to share memories and leave your condolences for the family.

Services are under the care and direction of Fayette Memorial Funeral Home of La Grange.