David Joseph Becker

Dave was born on May 9th, 1947 in Onaga, Kansas, to Albert and Agilberta Becker. Later, his family moved to Frankfort, Kansas, where he spent his childhood. As an adventurous and hard-working man, he relocated to Dallas, Texas in 1965 to pursue a career in butchery. With aspirations to succeed, Dave became a dedicated worker for Kroger, where he retired with grace after 43 years of loyal service. During this time, he quickly found his passion for butchery, cooking, and barbecue. Known for being the best in the business, Dave’s natural skill-set also extended to his home where he provided warm and hearty meals for every family gathering. Barbecue was a family staple for all holidays, a tradition that will be carried on in his honor.

Dave was an avid fisherman. Determined to always find the biggest catch, he’d pack up his rod and reel, a nice cold beer, and head toward the water. After a successful haul, Dave would prove his famous cooking skills again by hosting a fish fry.

As a humble and kind man, with a charming laugh and heart made to provide for others, it didn’t take long for love to find him. Dave met his loving wife, Shelley McCormick and married shortly after on September 29th, 1967 where he remained a devoted husband for 31 wonderful years. As a dedicated family-man, Dave and Shelley began establishing their own family in 1968 when they welcomed their son, Dwayne, followed by their daughter, Cindy in 1971. Both children went on to have children of their own, promoting Dave to his newest title “Papa Dear.”

As a name he proudly wore, “Papa Dear” quickly found a new purpose in life, being a grandfather. As the patriarch of the family, “Papa Dear” was the center of keeping his loved ones together. As his grandchildren and great grandchildren began their sports and hobbies, you could find “Papa Dear” on the sidelines showing his support. Every graduation, whether it was elementary, high school, or college, he was always right there with his camera. And when it came to a party, “Papa Dear” would show everyone how it’s done. His grandchildren remember spending their childhood in his beautiful garden, where he specialized in growing dozens of bright red tomatoes. At one point, his garden also included flourishing rose bushes that were quickly removed at the first prick of his granddaughter, Kilie’s, finger. His children remember him as a faithful family-man and protector. Someone they could always look up to for advice or run to for help.

In the wake of death, loved ones are often described as the best, kindest, and caring person there was, but Dave was truly the embodiment of all of those things. He spent his life serving others and created a legacy of honor and love that he passed down to his family. With his passing, the world has suffered a great loss, but his family will remember him by his warm comforting hugs and his famous parting words after every occasion- “Stay sweet”.

Dave is survived by his children: David D Becker and Cindy Wreay (Tony); grandchildren: Kilie Wenzel (Nick), Tyler Wreay (Bonnie), Frankie Becker, and Tanner Wreay (Shea); great grandchildren: Bristol, Rorie, Tucker, Braeley, Hayes, and Josephine; brothers: Albert G Becker and Richard Becker; sisters: Carol Newman and Dorothy Winterman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave is preceded in death by his cherished wife: Shelley Becker; parents: Albert and Agilberta Becker; sisters: Mary Graf and Kathy Teagarden; brother: Bob Becker; and his friend: Yvonne Riggs.

Pall bearers: Tyler Wreay, Frankie Becker, Tanner Wreay, Nick Wenzel, Raymond Redding, and Daymond Redding.

A viewing in his honor will take place at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral home in Colleyville, TX on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 5pm. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 10am. Burial to follow.