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Donald Becker © Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home 05-2010 Submitted by: Jo Aguirre
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Donald “Don” Becker was born November 18, 1920 to Peter A. and Leona (Buller) Becker in a farmhouse west of Goltry, Oklahoma. Later they moved to the home place 3 miles south of Goltry. He was the youngest of 3 boys.
He attended a county school (Independence 103) for all his elementary years. The school was located 1 mile east and he walked to school. After his 8 years in elementary school he entered Goltry High School. He graduated in 1939 and in the summer of 1939 he received a full 4-year scholarship from Union Equity Cooperative Exchange to attend John Brown University. He graduated in May of 1943 with a B.A. degree in Accounting, but did not participate in the graduation ceremony due to military service. On September 2, 1942 he enlisted in the Air Force and served until April 21, 1946. He served stateside and in the China-Burma-India Theatre stationed in Calcutta, India.
After returning home he took up where he left off by going to work for Union Equity. Under the scholarship contract they were guaranteed a job if one was available. He started working on elevator construction and later became assistant bookkeeper, office manager, assistant manager of business development, public relations and then vice-president. He served for 40 ˝ years.
On November 1, 1947, he married Yvonne Newton and they raised two children, John and Jan. They were married 47 years when Yvonne died November 20, 1994.
He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for 65 years and a member of the Friendship Class. He was a member of the Enid Lions Club for 57 years. Don was an active volunteer in mission work sponsored by his church and Sunday School Class. He worked with the Salvation Army, Scouting, Our Daily Bread, Mobile Meals, Midgely Museum, and the Lions Club. He served on many boards including the Church’s Administrative Board, Boys Ranch of the United Methodist Church, and the Lion’s Club. He was president of the Board at the United Methodist Retirement Center, The Commons, for 10 ˝ years during the period of its expansion. He also chaired the Keenager Mission and Travel group for 18 years.
On October 26, 1996 he married Joyce Featherston. Together they shared 16 years of companionship and travel.
In 2009 Don was asked to be the Commencement speaker at the John Brown University graduation ceremony, where he finally walked across the stage and received his diploma.
His parents and two brothers, Roscoe and Gene Becker, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife Joyce of the home; son John Becker, Enid, OK; daughter Jan Martin and her husband Mike, Enid, OK; Grandchildren Randy Becker and wife Laura, Austin, TX; Malanie Cord, Enid OK; Katy Martin and fiancé Brent Thomas, St. Petersburg, FL; Donnie Martin and fiancé Megan Schniers, Dallas, TX; Melissa Martin and Nate Gregory, Bartlesville, OK. Great-grandchildren are William Becker, Austin TX, and Josh Cord, Enid, OK.
A Service of Remembrance will be held Wednesday, July 11th at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Burial, for family and close friends, will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Memorial Park Cemetery preceding the Service. Officiating will be Dr. Grayson Lucky of First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6-7 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
Memorial Gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, Enid with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the funds. Condolences may be sent to the family at ladusauevans@suddenlinkmail.com.
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