Keith W. Becker

Assumption

Keith W. Becker, 88, of rural Assumption, Illinois, died at 5:05 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2009 in the home he built, surrounded by his family. This was the 65th anniversary of his landing on Omaha Beach in World War II.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2009 in Bethany Cemetery near Assumption, with Cliff Hastings officiating and military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Visitation from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Pana Community Hospital Emergency Room or Donor’s Choice.

Mr. Becker was born on July 9, 1920 in Flat Branch Township of Shelby County, Illinois, the son of Fred C. and Nellie Wetzel Becker. Keith was a U.S. Army veteran of WW II, serving from 1943 to 1945. He married Clara M. Lamm on August 2, 1946 in Hoxie, Arkansas. Keith was a farmer all of his life and enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of Fame Evangelical Church in Flat Branch Township and the American Legion Post in Assumption.

Surviving are his wife, Clara; sons, Fred R. Becker and wife Mary of Tower Hill, IL and Bain Becker and wife Jeanette of Patoka, IL; daughter, Judy Hastings and husband Dave of Paxton, IL; brothers, Kenneth Becker of Sedalia, MO and Dean Becker and wife Janet of Moweaqua, IL; sister, Jane Dickman of Herscher, IL; grandchildren, Sherri Hudson and husband Brad, Jennifer Moss and husband Roger, Lisa Mahannah and husband Tyce, Joel Hastings and wife Mary, Cliff Hastings, Keith R. Becker and wife Angie, Gale Becker, Lacy Kingsley and Brad Kingsley; and great grandchildren, Alissa and Adam Hudson, Jeff, Jessica and Lucas Winter, Aaron Moss, Zack and Ben Stirrett, Asti and Jolee Hastings and Michael Becker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Clifford Becker; and sisters, Mary Ann Lambdin and Salena Baillie.

Special thanks go to Pana Community Hospital Emergency Room doctors and staff. Also thanks to Dr. Michael Wall, Dr. Endsley and St. John’s Hospital doctors, Dr. Jennison, Dr. Mishkel and Dr. Crabtree.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Keith always had a smile on his face and a story to tell, he will be missed by many.