Francis Howard Becker

1930 - 2013

Francis Howard Becker obituary, 1930-2013

BORN

1930

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary - Wichita

201 South Hydraulic

Wichita, Kansas

Francis Becker Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 4, 2013.

Battalion Chief Francis Howard Becker, a longtime resident of Wichita, passed away the evening of May 2, 2013 due to complications from a stroke. He was 83 years old. Howard was born on January 18, 1930 in Goddard, Kansas. Howard was one of eleven children. After graduating from Garden Plain High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1956, Howard began his career as a firefighter. He was later promoted to Battalion Fire Chief, and he served in that role until he retired on April 18, 1993. Howard was tireless in his dedication to serving the people of Wichita, and as of the time he retired, he was the longest serving firefighter in the history of the Wichita Fire Department. Howard's big family meant the world to him. He married the love of his life, Willella Sue (Boltjes) Becker at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita on April 27, 1957.

Howard and Willella were loyal parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church. He was an avid sports fan and loved playing golf. Howard also was well known for having a wonderful sense of humor and being a practical joker. Preceded by his parents Arthur and Mary Becker, brothers Bernard, George and Joseph Arthur "Butch" and sister Cecelia Becker. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years Willella and their five children, Sue (Rick) Becker Lebens of Chesterfield, MO; Dennis Becker of Wichita; Kim (Dean) Becker Weakley of Wichita; Becky (Brownie) Brown of Wichita; Eric (Amanda) Becker of Atlanta, GA, grandchildren: Melissa Lebens Stiegler, Richard Lebens III ; Courtney Mae Becker ; Nate and Molly Thompson and Presley Jane Becker, great-grandchildren Richard Lebens IV and Helmut Christian Stiegler III, brother Harold Becker, sisters Mildred Landwehr, Norma Jean Kowal, Theresa Linnebur, Anna Mae Pracht, and Katie Cruz. He will be missed so much by his loving family, his many friends, and his brethren firefighters. He truly was one of the best.

Visitation with family present 6pm-8pm, Tues. May 7 at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary. Rosary, 10am and Funeral Mass 11am both on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at All Saints Catholic Church, 3205 E. Grand Street, Wichita, KS 67218.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Howard's name to The Kansas Firefighters Museum, 1300 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211 or to All Saints Catholic Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Becker

What is your first memory of Francis?

Share a favorite memory you have of Francis.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Francis.

Describe a time when Francis made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Francis?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Francis.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Francis.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Francis.

What is something you learned from Francis?

Not sure what to say?

May 27, 2013

The KSFFA Auxiliary sends our sympathy to the family of Frances Becker. We appreciate and are honored by the service he provided to the firefighter department and his dedication.
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. May the many happy memories of time with him lift your spirits, warm your hearts and bring a smile to your face. You will always have a part of him with you in your memories and the love he had for you.
God Be With You, Donna Pittaway, KS Auxiliary Chaplain Trustee

May 10, 2013

Becky Brown

Daddy, I have been so blessed to have you in my life, you were always there for me whenever I needed you, I know that you are in a more better place now & you won't have to suffer or be in any more pain. God has chosen to take you away, so now you can be at comfort & peace. You were the best Daddy in the whole world & I will just miss you so much.

May 10, 2013

Becky Brown

Daddy, I have been so blessed to have you in my life, you were always there for me whenever I needed you, I know that you are in a more better place now & you won't have to suffer or be in any more pain. God has chosen to take you away, so now you can be at comfort & peace. You were the best Daddy in the whole world & I will just miss you so much.

May 7, 2013

Donna & Liz

Becky, Kim & Dennis,

We want to extend our sympathy, with love. Hold onto the good memories.

May 7, 2013

Jason Jones

There are only a few that walk this earth that were born to lead. Chief Becker was certainly one. He cared so much about all of us we could not help wanting to care and perform well for him. I only worked with Chief for a short while, but still appreciate and aspire to be more like Chief Becker today. God Bless the Becker family, and those of us whom were lucky enough to spend time with Chief extend our heart felt thanks for sharing him with our WFD family.

May 6, 2013

Alice Becker

Uncle Howard I love and miss you.

May 6, 2013

Alice Becker

To all the family in Kansas, I wish I could be there with you all today. It hurts to be so far away. I am thinking about everyone out there as this week goes by.He will be missed but never forgotten. All the cherished memories are coming back as we all go through this difficult time. Uncle Howard I love and miss you.

May 6, 2013

Valarie Becker

Valarie, Hunter, Alice

May 6, 2013

Scott Bell

My deepest condolences to the Becker family for Howard's passing. What a wonderful and meaningful life he led. God bless your family as you remember the life of a truly good man.

May 6, 2013

Kelly Ross

God bless the Becker family. Eric my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Chief Becker was a great man and someone I aspired to be like as I started my career in the fire service.

May 6, 2013

Shirley Geubelle

Wilella, Howard's passing will leave a big empty space in your family, but his memory will be a great comfort. His suffering is over, & now you can be assured of his eternal happiness. I extend my condolences to your family & to the Becker brother & sisters.

May 6, 2013

Always remember and share the good memories Howard created for you.
Chris and Norm Dauderman
Alhambra IL

May 6, 2013

Kathleen Alexander

To the Becker family and Aunt Mildred,
My condolences on your family's loss. I can remember my dad (John May) sharing many stories about Howard and the fire station antics. May the many good memories carry you through this difficult time.

May 5, 2013

Maria Dunlap (Davis)

Dearest Becker Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this time of sorrow. He was a truly wonderful person and I will never forget him, always smiling, always happy and will always be remembered.

May 5, 2013

Dale Kuhn

God bless Howard's family. He will be missed but never forgotten.

May 5, 2013

Ron and Marilyn Kister

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

May 4, 2013

SUSIE BECKER

MY DEAR FAMILY MY HEART IS BREAKING FOR THE LOSS OF MY GODFATHER AND VERY DEAR UNCLE HE WAS TRULY A REMARKABLE MAN AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. HE HAS TOUCHED SO MANY LIFES OF THE YEARS.
SUSIE

May 4, 2013

SUSIE BECKER

IN MEMORY OF MY VERY DEAR UNCLE AND GODFATHER I WILL MISS YOU RIP UNCLE HOWARD
SUSIE

May 4, 2013

Gladys Becker

Thoughts and prayers are with you all

Gladys Becker

May 4, 2013

Laurn Becker

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Francis Becker's name

Memorial Events
for Francis Becker

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary - Wichita

201 South Hydraulic, Wichita, KS 67211

How to support Francis's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Francis Becker's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more