Jerry Lee Becker, 81, passed away on November 6, 2021, at Mercy
Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Jerry was a private pilot, salesman,
businessman, boating enthusiast, and devoted family man.
Jerry
was born September 26, 1940 in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Elmer and
Bernice Becker. Entering adolescence in the 1950s, he was a mischievous
teenager, frequently drag racing the streets and highways of Barton
County, much to the chagrin of his paternal grandfather Lou Becker, who
was sheriff at the time. Looking back years later, Jerry’s only regret
was that he didn’t keep that 1957 Chevy.
Jerry met the love of
his life, Janice Margaret Keller (Becker) during high school band class.
With Jan sitting in front of him, he would “accidentally” tap her with
the end of his trombone. Thus began a courtship that would lead to
nearly sixty years of marriage. The two obviously adored each other,
which could easily be seen just by the way they looked at one another.
Their
storybook marriage, romance and love began with a beautiful wedding at
St Frances Xavier Church in Seward, Ks on June 10, 1961. Their marriage
was blessed by God with four children: Bradley James, Gregory Lee, Diane
Marie and Michael Jon. Thirteen grandchildren: Luke, Ryan, Zachary,
Jordyn, Lindsey, Malorie, Natalie, Matthew, Haley, Jace, Cole, Cannon
and Ainsleigh. Two step grandchildren Dylan and Natalie. Five great
grandchildren: Wesley, Grayson, Claire, Connor and Ellie.
For
years, the couple owned a boat and hosted events for family at the lake
nearly every weekend of the summers. They taught their children and
grandchildren how to waterski. Not satisfied to be confined to the
earth, Jerry obtained his private pilot’s license and owned a small
plane. He took his family and friends on their first of what would be
many airplanes rides. He had a lifelong love of cars, boats, planes, and
pretty much anything that went fast and had a big engine. As such, he
was a frequent attendee at car shows and air shows.
Jerry and Jan
took some of his greatest enjoyment in life from spending time with his
children and grandchildren. His children were lucky to be spoiled with
big birthday and holiday celebrations. This would include lakes, sand
pits, pools (some of which were aka horse tanks), horses, dogs, cats,
hamsters, motorcycles, boats, airplanes and cool cars when his children
were old enough to drive.
He literally had enough bicycles in his
garage so that every grandchild would have one to ride. He installed a
pool, owned video game systems, and even set up rope swings and tree
houses in his yard for the grandchildren to enjoy. This resulted in
lifelong smiles and feelings of happiness for the whole family and those
lucky enough to be invited to Becker family gatherings.
Jerry
and Jan generously volunteered their time and resources both serving as
President and on the board of directors of the Argonne Rebels Inc. a not
for profit organization. He was very proud of granddaughter Jordyn
Kennedy when she took on a leadership position with the Argonne cheer
team.
Jerry and Jan adopted and loved all the kids that
participated in the decades of colorguards, and marching Corps of 1977
to 1984. They were extremely proud of and loved all their drum corps and
color guard children. He always made sure that lots of hours of
practice was rewarded with something fun.
Having marched in the
Argonne Rebels Horn Line in his youth and getting to enjoy the thrill of
traveling to the VFW Drum Corps Championships in Boston, convinced
Jerry of the importance of the Argonne Rebels organization and its
positive impact on Barton County’s youth.
Jerry also was elected and served on the school board for USD 428 School District.
Jerry
and Jan were first and foremost believers in the power and saving grace
of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Dad was raised in
the Methodist church and joined mom in the Catholic church at marriage.
During their lifetime they were members of St Rose, St Patrick’s and
Holy Cross Churches. Dad was a eucharistic minister and lector at St
Rose, and St Patricks. Both Dad and Mom were active as youth ministers
at the house of faith charismatic Catholic movement in Great Bend. They
were both active in the St Rose scouting troop and very proud of their
grandson Jace and Cole being in Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Cole
achieved Life Scout and Jace the coveted Eagle Scout.
Jerry’s (with Jan often working beside him) business ventures
included Becker Homes and Campers (the 2nd Largest Volume Holiday
Rambler Dealer West of Mississippi) and then Kansas Kamper Center, and
Becker Tire of Hoisington. His final two with his sons Greg and Mike,
Becker Homes and VR Business Brokers of southwest Missouri (managing the
very successful fourth Becker Homes location in Hutchinson and helped
found the Vr Business Brokerage office in 2012 that finished as top ten
VR business brokerage office in the world).
When Jan went back to
school in her forties to become an elementary school teacher, Jerry was
fully behind her educational journey and even gifted her a new car for
graduation.
Jerry proudly served in the US Army Reserve, Air
National Guard and US Airforce Reserve. He was an entrepreneur and best
of the best salesman.
Sadly, in their twilight years, Jan was
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. For over a decade, Jerry selflessly
acted as the caretaker for his beloved wife as she slowly deteriorated.
She passed away in April this year, just a month short of the couple’s
60th wedding anniversary.
Love for family endures everything,
even death of his soulmate. Jerry was a fighter and was never one to
give up and wanted very badly to get back to being independent so he
could go visit all his children and grandchildren.
He was so
proud of his progress in rehab and general improvement with his heart
and kidneys. He very much wanted to catch up with all that he missed
with his family during mom’s sickness.
God always has a wiser,
better plan than even the best intended ones and He called Jerry home to
be with his heavenly wife and family.
On Nov 6 at 6:49 AM, Jan and all Jerry’s family and friends joyously welcomed Jerry Lee Becker to Heaven.
Ironically,
his Grandson Cole’s confirmation (Received Holy Spirit) was that day
too. Anyone who knew my Mom and Dad’s love for the Holy Spirit smiled at
what they knew was no mere coincidence.
It was definitely a life well lived.
Jerry
is survived by his uncle and aunt Larry and Joy Becker. His brother and
sister in law Ron and Helen Becker. His sons, son in law and daughter
in law: Brad and Sandra Becker, Diane and Travis Grigg, Michael Jon
Becker and Gregory Lee Becker and his thirteen grandchildren, five great
grandchildren and two grandchildren in law.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm, Monday, November 15, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with a Prayer service at 6:30 p.m., and Vigil service at 7:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, with Military Rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Memorials have been designated to Argonne Rebels, Inc., St. Vincent De Paul Society or Barton County Food Bank, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.