Donald M. Becker

93, of Fishers, departed this life October 7, 2016. Don was born December 15, 1922 in Huntington, IN to the late Leo M. and Frances P. (ErlenBaugh) Becker. He proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army Signal Corps. Don worked for AT&T as a technician for 38 years, retiring in 1985. He was a longtime time and former member of Christ the King Catholic Church and a member of Saint Louis de Montfort Parish for the past eleven years. He was also a longtime member of Telephone Pioneers of America. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary Jo (Helmer) Becker, children, Thomas (Ruth) Becker, Donald (Linda) Becker, Susan (Joseph) Huser, Robert Becker and Christopher (Kim) Becker; brother, Brother Michael Becker, CSC; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary McNulty and Jane Boltz and brother, Bob Becker. Visitation for Don will begin at 9:00 am on Thursday, October 13th at Saint Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Fishers, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment follows at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to: Little Sisters of the Poor, Brothers of Holy Cross, Midwest Province or to Saint Louis de Montfort School. Condolences may be offered at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com

Arrangements under the direction of Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, Indianapolis, IN.

Eulogy to my dad, Donald M. Becker 10-7-2016

Thinking about giving a eulogy for dad made me think about my Grandma Ida, she always loved a good funeral. I still remember the times when she would be waiting at the door with her purse hours before the start of the funeral, chomping at the bit raring to go. She loved to see old friends. This is a good funeral because it has a good ending.

Dad’s Attributes:

1. Quiet and Unassuming – He didn’t want to be the center of attention, but he was not shy or introverted.

2. Humble – You never heard him brag about himself.

3. Never Gossiped – He was a great example of not talking about others and would get on you if you did.

4. Smart – He graduated 2nd in his class at Huntington Catholic.

5. Handy – He was always fixing things and was especially good at repairing televisions. I get my handiness from him

6. Disciplined – He was very disciplined and would follow through in his prayer life, exercising, serving his church and family, and attending daily mass.

7. Truly Loved His Wife – He told mom that he never saw his parents kiss and so he thought it was important to always show his children how much he loved our mother and thought it was very important to show his affection to her.

8. Game Player – Dad loved to play Tripoli, touring, monopoly, 31, hearts, postal chess, tennis, croquet and badminton. I still remember him playing postal chess with a professor in Egypt, a game could take months. We had a badminton court to die for. Dad actually would cut the grass short and paint the lines. We had great times playing in the back yard.

9. Kind – I never remember him getting out of control.

10. Positive – Dad did not complain. He always accepted whatever God had for him.

11. Grateful – He based his life on an eternal view rather that a temporal one.

12. Good Dancer – Mom and Dad were elegant on the dance floor. They could fox trot and waltz with the best. They were the envy of the neighbors.

13. Good Planner – He planned many fun family vacations and was very organized.

Dad was not a guy’s guy. He was a wife’s guy. He didn’t go out with the guy’s and go hunting or fishing. However, he did have one thing he enjoyed with the guys and that was playing tennis.

About 15 years ago I was listening to a Christian radio program and it told about how important it was to write a tribute to your parents. I took this to heart and wrote something, but never presented it to my parents. I didn’t think it was that good but here it is anyway. This may seem odd giving a tribute to my parents at my dad’s funeral but it really isn’t. The two of them were so close that it seems natural to give it to both.

The tribute

I’ve been thinking about writing this tribute for a long time. When I am in my prayer time, and I take the opportunity to thank God for the blessings he has given me, the two of you are always at the top of the list.

Some time ago when reading scripture, I came across a passage that immediately made me think of you. It is 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12. In this letter from Paul, among other things, he explains the duties of a mother and father. It reads, “We are to be gentle among you like a mother caring for her children.” And later in this section, “for I know that we deal with you as a father deals with his children, encouraging, comforting, and urging to live a life worthy of God.”

Mom, you have always made me feel loved and secure. You expressed your belief in me and all of us even when we did not. You exhibited your love and encouragement for me even with my faults. I always admired the way you love and respect dad. I watched as you took care of Uncle Mick and then Grandma when she lived with us and later at the nursing home. And may I add now when you were Dad’s caregiver. You gave me my emotion and sensitivity.

Dad, I can say that I always wanted to be like you. When I was out in the far country I always knew I wanted to get back to where my dad was. You have taught me by spending time instructing me mainly by your example. I still remember when I was a young boy the times that I saw you kneeling by your bedside saying your night prayers. You always encouraged me even when I found things in school so much harder than you. You held me accountable when I needed correction. I didn’t appreciate that at the time, but as I grew older I realized that this is the key to being a loving parent.

Mom and Dad, you taught me how to live a life worthy of God, as a child, as an adolescent, in marriage, as a parent and finally in the last phase of life; when things like health, family and friends are taken away, you again are a living example and model for me. Thank you for being my parents. You’re just another blessing that indebts me even more to the one we both live for, Jesus Christ.

One thing that you probably didn’t know about my parents is that they were faithful in reading the church Divine Office prayers daily. This is a compilation of prayers and meditation the clergy say every day. For this reason I think it is appropriate to give you two scriptures that give us hope and peace that my dad believed.

Romans 10:9-10

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

John 1:12

If you receive Him and if you believe in His name, you’re given the right to become children of God. Not the right to be called, but the right to become His child.

This is why I can say this is a good funeral with a happy outcome…Good Ending!

From your loving son Donald J. Becker