Becker, John B. (1881-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Apr 21 p. 6

Birth date: 1881 Apr 23

text of obituary:

. . .

— John B. Becker, 78, died Monday at his home in Halstead. Funeral services are to be held Thursday afternoon at the Grace Mennonite church west of Halstead, with Rev. Carl Dirks and Rev. Arnold Wiggers officiating. Mr. Becker was a brother of Paul Becker of Newton. Also surviving are his wife, Lydia, four sons, three daughters, two sisters, two other brothers, 33 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 May 5 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOHN B. BECKER

John B. Becker was born April 23, 1881 near Halstead, kansas and passed away April 18, 1960 at his home in Halstead, reaching the age of 79 years less five days.

He received his education and grew to manhood near Halstead.

On August 12, 1905 he was married to Lena Buller, who preceded him in death April 23, 1928. Sharing life's joys and sorrows for 22 years, they were blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters. Paul of Sedgwick, Kansas, Glenn and Harvey of Halstead, Lewis of McPherson, Kansas, Eva, Mrs. Henry Smith of El Dorado, Kan., Goldie, Mrs. Albert Koehn of DeRidder, La., Violet, Mrs. Howard Koehn of El Dorado, Kan. and Ervin and Ada, who died in their youth.

Upon feeling the need of a Saviour he repented of his sins, found peace with God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on Feb. 25, 1916, remaining faithful unto the end.

On Feb. 24, 1929, he was married to Mrs. Lydia Unruh, receiving her children as his very own. The Lord greatly blessed them and for 31 years they have enjoyed life together, being a great comfort and help to each other in their declining age and health.

They lived at Goltry, Okla. and McPherson, Kansas, and in 1928 came back to Halstead, Kansas. His occupation was farming. After leaving the farm they lived in their home in Halstead.

He was faithful, kind and loving, and a friendly husband, father and grandfather. He had a deep concern for the welfare of his children whom he so much loved and enjoyed. He was also known as a faithful brother and a true Christian witness.

He enjoyed fair health until the last two years when a heart condition kept him weak. A few times he had to go to the hospital for a short stay. Three weeks ago he did not feel well, but could attend church services the last two Sundays. Monday morning he ate breakfast as usual and went out to do a few chores. When a little distance from the house he had a heart attack and without a word passed away to be with the Lord whom he loved and served.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his wife, 11 sons, seven daughters, 67 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, three brothers, two sisters, and many relatives and friends. One son, one daughter, one grandchild, 16 brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Thursday, April 21, at 1:30 p.m. in the Grace Mennonite church with Rev. Carl Dirks and Rev. Arnold Wiggers officiating. Burial was made in the Lone Tree cemetery near Galva, Kan. Six sons served as casket bearers.