Becker, A. J. (1872-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jan 29 p. 1

Birth date: 1872 Feb 25

text of obituary:

Pioneer Missionary Died In Oklahoma

REV. A. J. BECKER FOUNDED MISSIONS TO INDIANS, MEXICANS

Lawton, Okla. — Funeral services for Rev. A. J. Becker, pioneer Mennonite Brethren missionary to the Indians and Mexicans in this state, were held at the First Baptist church here on Jan. 17. He died at his home Jan. 15 after a long illness.

The services were in charge of Dr. H. T. Wiles, assisted by Dr. P. R. Lange and Dr. A. E. Janzen of the M. B. mission board, and Rev. H. Neufeld of the Post Oak mission. Herman Asenap gave a tribute for the Indians with whom he worked.

Missionary Becker pioneered in mission work among the Comanche Indians and was a founder of the Post Oak Mission near Indiahoma, serving there from 1901 until his retirement in 1947. He also began the work among Mexicans in Lawton which developed into the Lawton View Mission. Both were the first Mennonite Brethren missions of their kind.

Born in Russia on Feb. 25, 1872, he came to this country at the age of three. In 1897 he was married to Magdalena Hergert; she passed away in 1938. In 1941 he married Mrs. Tina Poetker, who survives, He also leaves one daughter, five sons, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.