Ernest Alvin Becking

Ernest Alvin Becking, age 85, died with his family in San Antonio on October 13, 2025. Ernie was born and raised in Bad Axe, Michigan on a working family farm. He attended grade school in the one room schoolhouse built by his grandfather. In high school he found music, playing tuba in the band. To continue his education, he joined the Army ROTC at Michigan State University. He performed with the MSU marching band while earning his chemistry degree, and was a dorm breakfast cook to pay for expenses.

After graduation and his commission in 1961, Ernie started his Army career the year the Berlin wall went up. While stationed in Bamberg, Germany as an infantry officer, Ernie met Margaret Carter who became his wife in 1965. Returning to the US, Ernie earned his Master’s in Engineering from Purdue University. During Ernie’s 30 year Army career, he served two tours in Vietnam. Ernie commanded the 1st Cavalry Division’s 27th Maintenance Battalion at Ft Hood Texas as well as the Combat Equipment Group Europe in Mannheim Germany. His last assignment was at Tank Automotive Command in Warren, Michigan where he retired two years after the Berlin wall came down.

Ernie had a garden in every home. He grew more vegetables than the family and neighbors could eat. He raised bees and managed hives for other homeowners. He was a dedicated member of the Northern Virginia Beekeepers Association. He always said you can never have too much compost.

Ernie had a workshop in every home. His natural engineering skills lead him to restore two antique MG cars, build furniture, do home repairs, and craft wooden toys and artistic boxes. After retiring from the Army, he had his own home repair and custom cabinetry business. Ernie also volunteered his time and considerable skill to Habitat for Humanity in the Washington DC area. He always said you needed to have the right tool for the job.

Ernie loved to travel, especially to ski, and was a member of the Pentagon Ski Club for 25 years.

Ernie is survived by his wife Margaret; their daughter, Carolyn (Robert) Klein of Houston TX; their son John “Chris” (Sarah) Becking of Mechanicsburg PA; four grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.

The family will receive visitors at 10:30 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78212. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Habitat for Humanity of DC-NOVA would be a fitting tribute to his memory.