OBITUARY
Francis Howard Becker
January 18, 1930 – May 2, 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.
Services
- Visitation Tuesday, May 7, 2013
- Rosary Service Wednesday, May 8, 2013
- Funeral Service Wednesday, May 8, 2013
REMEMBERING
Francis Howard Becker
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RECEIVE UPDATESMay 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
Becky Brown
May 10, 2013
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.
Becky Brown
May 10, 2013
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.
Donna & Liz
May 8, 2013
Becky, Kim & Dennis,
We want to extend our sympathy, with love. Hold onto the good memories.
Jason Jones
May 7, 2013
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.
Alice Becker
May 7, 2013
Uncle Howard I love and miss you.
Alice Becker
May 7, 2013
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.
Valarie Becker
May 7, 2013
Valarie, Hunter, Alice
Scott Bell
May 6, 2013
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.
Kelly Ross
May 6, 2013
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.
Shirley Geubelle
May 6, 2013
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
Kathleen Alexander
May 6, 2013
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.
Maria Dunlap (Davis)
May 5, 2013
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.
Dale Kuhn
May 5, 2013
God bless Howard's family. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Ron and Marilyn Kister
May 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
SUSIE BECKER
May 5, 2013
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
SUSIE BECKER
May 5, 2013
IN MEMORY OF MY VERY DEAR UNCLE AND GODFATHER I WILL MISS YOU RIP UNCLE HOWARD
SUSIE
Gladys Becker
May 5, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with you all
Gladys Becker
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