David Elwyn Becker

Captain David E. Becker, MSC, USN (Ret)

Our family is grateful for the many years we enjoyed the love, compassion and fellowship of husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, David. He passed away peacefully at home on July 4th 2017 after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. he was 91. Captain Becker is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Jean Ogden Becker and four children: Richard Becker, Gary Becker, Craig Becker and Mary Kay Becker. David was blessed with ten grandchildren: Gregory Becker, Mathew Becker, Adam Becker, Alan Becker, Andrew Becker, Genevieve Becker, Kimberly Becker Hartzog and Kaylan Becker Deal, Michael Beauchamp, and Jackson Steele. Additionally, he leaves behind six great grandchildren: Lathan Hartzog, Barrett Hartzog, Gisele Becker, Weston Becker, Samuel Becker, Sadie Quin Deal, and Lucas Becker.

Born in San Diego, California, to Frank D. and Julia L. Becker on December 7, 1925, David graduated from San Diego High School and enlisted in the navy in December 1942 at the age of 17. During World War II he served with the Fifth marine Division Motor Transport Service, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. Following this tour, as a PhM2c, he graduated from Independent Duty School, Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA then served on (Landing Ship Medium) LSM-222 and duty on (Fleet Tug) USS Zuni ATF-95 as an independent Duty Hospital Corpsman. he was released from active duty in 1946 as a Pharmacists Mate First Class.

He returned to San Diego following the war and remained a member of the Naval Reserve while training at the Naval Air Station North Island as an apprentice aircraft mechanic. In his reserve role, David participated in the development of the medical departments for both Naval Reserve Surface and Submarine Divisions at Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA. His apprentice training ended when he was recalled to active duty in Sep 1950 and assigned to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, CA. He then transferred to the Headquarters staff, Commandant Eleventh Naval District where he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI. Upon graduation, he was commissioned Ensign, Medical Service Corps, USNR in May 1953.

Captain Becker's officer assignments include administrative officer, Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA; Medical Administrative Officer aboard USS Boxer (CVA-21) (1954-56). Other administrative, personnel and legal assignments followed at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, China Lake, CA and Naval Medical School, NNMC, Bethesda, MD. While at the Naval Medical School, Bethesda he attended George Washington University and received his Bachelor's Degree in Health Care Administration.

In addition, he served on the staff of the Navy Surgeon General at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, DC and later transferred to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV). In this assignment, he participated in the development of the White House Correspondence Section in the immediate office of the SECNAV to research and mange all Navy and Marine Corps related personal correspondence addressed to the President of the United States (1965-67).

After graduating from the Naval War College, Newport, RI (1968), Captain Becker was assigned to the staff of the Commander Service Force Pacific in Hawaii as Administrative Officer to the Force Surgeon and medical administrative liaison to the Commander Construction Battalions, Pacific Fleet where he was involved in coordinating medical support for Navy forces serving throughout the Pacific theater of operations. In 1971, he transferred to the Naval Hospital Lemoore, CA for duty as Administrative Officer.

In 1972, he was promoted to Captain, Medical Service Corps, and assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health and Environment where he participated in the research, preparation and implementation of ongoing legislative matter pertaining to all the armed forces medical services. Captain Becker retired August 1, 1973 upon completing over thirty years of naval service.

Following his distinguished naval service, David dedicated hi life to helping other through Christian organizations like Grace Bible Church, Hanford, CA Athletes in Action (a Campus Crusade for Christ International organization); Promise Keepers; Overcomers Outreach; and Biola University.

David's love for his family is only superseded by his love for God. he was the consummate role model and mentor for his entire family and all others he came in contact with. He dedicated his family life and children to God and encouraged each to seek answers to all issues through prayer, scripture and faith. This was advice he applied to his life daily and freely shared with others.

He is clearly missed by his family and friends, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with our Creator. He precedes us in our life's journey with the joy of knowing we will all see each other again in the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Captain Becker will be interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home, Bremerton, WA.