Donald George Becker Sr.'s Obituary
In the pre-dawn hours of May 6, 2015, surrounded by those who loved him, Donald G. Becker took his last breaths before joining his wife, Shirley. Don was 90 years young, loved his family, and enjoyed outings to Mariner’s games and volunteering at the Food Bank.
His life began in the tiny town of Seneca, Kansas on September 21, 1924. Life wasn’t easy but he was the kind of person who never felt sorry for himself. And at 13 years old he rode the rails out West, following the crops and working where he could, sleeping in cars, eventually making his way to Washington state to be with his sister and her family.
This journey was one with another unknown-at-the-time purpose, as it brought him to the young, beautiful Shirley Ann Solomon whom he met before entering the war. He fought bravely on many ships, including the U.S.S. Belleau Wood where he was a turret gunner during World War II. After four years he returned home and married Shirley on the sweetest day of the year: Valentine’s Day, 1947.
Post-war life included raising six daughters and four sons, running a farm with cows, pigs, chickens, as well as a full time job at the Post Office which spanned 30 years. Don loved people, and people loved him. On his last day before retirement in 1983, families in numerous cul de sacs threw parties for the mailman who had faithfully delivered both mail and delight for decades.
He loved fishing and could often be found on the river with a grandchild or two in tow. He hunted, was an accomplished woodworker, played cards, and loved a good joke—telling and hearing them.
Retirement was good to Don. Years of hard work and planning enabled him and Shirley to travel extensively including a cruise to Alaska with family, a paddlewheel boat tour down the Mississippi, and countless trips up and down the Washington, Oregon and California coasts. They loved adventures, learning new things together, and touring museums and civil war sites. A favorite past time was visiting all (but one) of the McMenamins hotels with their dear friends, Bob and Annette Williams.
Don also spent time giving back. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and for years volunteered faithfully at his beloved food bank. He was also a fan favorite of the little ones at church who would flock to his kind smile, and handfuls of Werther candies.
He leaves behind 10 children and their spouses, more than 70 grand and great grandchildren, his dog, Sammy, and many dear friends. We will forever remember our loving, kind, smart and funny Dad, Grandpa, Papa Becker, And GGpa.
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