Becker, Abe Martin (1891-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Jun 21 p. 9

Birth date: 1891 Jan 8

text of obituary:

ABE MARTIN BECKER

Abe Martin Becker, son of Peter J. and Maria (Boese) Becker, was born in Western Oregon on January 8, 1891. He died at Kansas City, Mo. on May 25, 1951.

His bereaved family are his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Kliewer) Becker and his two sons, James Richard and William Dale. Accidental death had taken his oldest son, Ray Franklin, on August 14, 1945. Near relatives are his aged mother, Mrs. Maria Becker, and three sisters, Mrs. H. B. Schmidt, Cordel, Okla., Mrs. A. Wagner, Tulsa, Okla., and Honora E. Becker, North Newton, Kansaas.

On May 29, 1951, funeral services were conducted in the Herold Mennonite church by Rev. Henry Hege. Interment was in the Sichar cemetery near Cordell, Okla.

In 1902 he came with his family to the pioneer community of Gotebo, Okla. In his early youth he began his Christian life by being baptized by Rev. Henry Riesen into the membership of the Ebenezar church. His Christian faith and love strengthened since in his quiet way he accepted what life had to offer in joy or sorrow as "stepping stones to higher things."

In 1918, he was inducted into the army where he served in the medical corps, working in mental hospitals until he was called home to the deathbed of his father. He was discharged in December 1919. Having made Cordell his home, he joined the Sichar church in 1920.

On July 30, 1924, he was married to Elizabeth Kliewer. His joy and satisfaction centered in their three sons. Roy's death left a great void, but not despair.

The family has lived in various places. Rural Clinton was theri home for eight years. Then in 1936, because of their love of hills, woods, and clear streams they bought a farm home in Douglas county, Missouri. However in the summer of 1945, Abe's breaking health necessitated their leaving this much loved home. They went to Kansas City where Abe again was happy in his work and family. Another dream was realized in the summer of 1950 when the family acquired another new home in suburban Kansas City near Raytown.

Heart disease had forced Abe's retirement in February of 1950. He failed rapidly the last two months. He suffered patiently, deeply appreciative of the loving care and concern bestowed on him. On May 25 at 6:55 p.m., his Lord took him, quietly and in peace.