Becker, Benjamin B. (1862-1932)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1932 Mar 29 p. 14

Birth date: 1862 May 10

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1932 Mar 16 p. 2

text of obituary:

Benjamin B. Becker

Benjamin B. Becker was born on May 10, 1862, in Poland and departed this life March 6, 1932, at the age of 69 years, nine months and twenty-seven days.

He was united in marriage to Susan Jantz on January 22, 1894, by Rev. Johann Ratzlaff. To this union eleven children were born, two of them preceding him in death. One, Benjamin, died in infancy and Andrew B. Becker in service during the World War.

Those left with the mother to mourn his departure are Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Jantz, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Becker, Walter and Olin Becker, all of Meno, Oklahoma, Mr. and Mrs. H. Riesen of Newton, Kansas, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Becker of Chicago; the Misses Martha and Esther Becker of Enid, Oklahoma, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Becker of Medford, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Ida Becker of Perryton, Texas. (Walter and Olin are still at home with mother.)

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, one brother, Mr. Jacob B. Becker of Ringwood, Oklahoma, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jacob B. Becker of Ringwood, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Caroline Becker of Meno, Oklahoma, and Mr. Ben Ratzlaff, also of Meno, Oklahoma. Four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Mr. Becker emigrated to America in 1874, settling in Kansas. He came to Oklahoma in 1989, settling on a farm one and one-half miles southeast of Meno, making this his continuous home.

He has for many years taken an active part in the social and church development of the community. Having been elected deacon of the church soon after their arrival here, he served faithfully in this capacity until his health failed him.

The deceased has been in rather poor health for about three years and became bed-fast through a stroke of paralysis eight weeks before his death.

It may be interesting to his many friends to know that by a strange coincidence Mr. Becker died on the very day of the month just 51 years from the date of his baptism.

The funeral was held March 9 with a short service in the Brown Funeral home in charge of Dr. D. L. Edwards, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Enid, Okla., assisted by the U. B. choir of the same city. From ehre the main funeral services were taken to the New Hopedale Church at Meno, Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff, of Newton, Kansas, officiating, assisted by the Rev. H. U. Schmidt, the local pastor and Rev. [their labours ; and their works do fol- sic typo in original] of Enid.

The following program was given:

Processional, Mrs. Julia Thompson.

Quartet, "Grace is Flowing from Calvary."
Scripture and Prayer, Rom. 8:27-39, requested by deceased, by Rev. H. U. Schmidt.
Obituary, Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff.
Solo, Prof. Henry Hobart.
Sermon, Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff.
Closing prayer, Rev. Herrick.
Buartet [sic], "The Child of a King."

Recessional, Mr. Brown.

At the grave, Rev. Ratzlaff offered prayer.

Mr. Becker was a devoted husband, a kind father and a true friend.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors; an [sic] their works do follow them."