David Becker

David Franklin Becker, 88, of Independence, MO passed away of heart failure on December 22, 2011 at Country Club Care Center in Warrensburg, MO. David was born October 23, 1923 at home in Alma, MO to Frank G. Becker and Beulah Kelso (Garrard) Becker. He graduated from Alma High School in 1942 and received a B.S. in Industrial Arts Education in 1946 from Central Missouri State Teacher’s College, Warrensburg and a M.S. in Industrial Arts with a certification in Safety from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado in 1951. David met his wife Ellen June Pitchford when they were teaching at Windsor High School in Windsor and they married on June 14, 1951 in Sweet Springs. David taught high school for 37 years: Industrial Arts in Moulton, Iowa, Blair, Nebraska and Windsor, Missouri and Driver’s Education in Jefferson City and at Northeast High School in Kansas City. He was a skilled carpenter and in his retirement continued his love of woodworking in his basement shop, making thousands of items for the Independence Senior Citizen's Craft Shop and for many friends. David was a devout Christian who placed his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and was active for many years at Englewood Assembly and Blue Ridge Assembly of God, teaching Sunday school and serving meals. His conservative opinion letters were frequently published in the KC Star, and he loved supporting pro-life organizations, homeless shelters, and other Christian charities. He was known as a kind and generous neighbor, loving husband, father and grandfather, selfless in his helping of others. David was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Charles Becker and nephew Daniel Becker. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ellen June Becker, son James D. Becker and wife Debbie of Warrensburg, daughter Nancy E. Littlejohn and husband Jeff of Norman, Oklahoma and four grandchildren, David J. Littlejohn, Timothy J. Becker and wife Stephanie, Lee J. Littlejohn, and Ellen E. Becker. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St, Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. in the chapel. Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m. in Calvary Corder Cemetery, Corder, MO. Cremation. Memorial donations may be made to City Union Mission, Kansas City, Missouri or The Gospel Tract Society, Independence, Missouri.