William Albert Becker

Major General (retired) William A. (Bill) Becker passed away April 15, 2012 at the age of 93.A Kaufman County native, Bill Becker was born on his family homestead April 2,1919. He graduated from Kaufman High School in 1936. He later attended Texas A&M College, where he was a member of the 1939 ROTC national championship pistol team, and also a member of the four-man horse show team. He was junior editor of the yearbook and was elected senior editor but resigned to serve as cadet corps commander during his senior year. Upon graduation in 1941, he was given a diploma, a commission as 2nd Lieutenant of field artillery, and orders to report within eight days to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. Maj. Gen. Becker was sent to fight in the Southwest Pacific Theater during WWII, and in four years, he advanced from the rank of 2nd Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel. Upon return from WWII he was assigned to the military staff at Texas A&M during which time he met the love of his life and wife of over 55 years, Frances Carlyle. He also served in Vietnam as Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Cavalry Division (AIRMOBILE). What began as a military career on horseback concluded in a helicopter as a rated pilot. Over his 30-year career he had a variety of other commands and assignments. His last active duty assignment was to the Pentagon with the Office of the Secretary of the Army, as Chief of Legislative Liaison, working with the United States Congress from 1968-1971. During his years of service he was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. Upon retirement from the Army, Bill returned to his home community with his wife, Fran, and their four children where he established a real estate brokerage and enjoyed cattle ranching on his beloved Becker farm. He continued his dedication to service to his community, county and country through numerous civic organizations and appointments. Above all else, he valued his role as husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Bill is preceded in death by his wife Frances Becker. He is survived by his children William Becker of Terrell and wife Jennifer, daughter Anne Becker Tolbert and husband Jerry of Woodville, son Christopher Becker of Becker and wife Gay, daughter Kimberly Becker Barnett of Rowlett and husband Keith, and sister Ellen Dodson of Texarkana and husband Ed, Arkansas. He was blessed with eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. During a special ceremony in Kemp, Texas US Congressman Jeb Hensarling presented General Becker with remarks from the Congressional Record honoring him for his service. "President Calvin Coolidge once said the Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten. As a veteran, Gen. Becker understands that better than most Americans. It is because of his service that we are able to enjoy the many blessings that God has bestowed upon this great land, the United States of America." In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Becker United Methodist Church. PARKER-ASHWORTH FUNERAL HOME P.O. BOX 1003 KAUFMAN, TEXAS 75142 972-932-8152