Gerald Bernard “Jerry” Becker, 86, of Festus, died March 19, 2020, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Center in Festus. Mr. Becker worked at Engel Radio and Television in Crystal City before becoming co-owner and operator of both E & B Electronics in Festus and his wife’s business, Margaret’s Ceramics and Dolls. He officially retired after working for Midwest Marketing in Hillsboro. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and attended Highland Baptist Church in Hillsboro. He was a past member of Shekinah Masonic Lodge 256 and Festus Chapter 417 Order of the Eastern Star, Lion’s Club, the Twin City Chamber of Commerce, National Alliance of Television Service Organization and T.E.S.A. of Jefferson County. He volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program as well as other local organizations. He enjoyed fly fishing at Bennett Spring, camping, traveling with his wife, walking at West City Park, working in his yard, watching “Gunsmoke,” and making others laugh. Born July 2, 1933, in Chicago, he was the son of the late Ruby (Croney) Phillips and Frederick Bernard Becker. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years: Margaret Lou (Cox) Becker, whom he married on Nov 8, 1953, and who died in January 2015.
He is survived by four daughters: Anne (Cody) Pardieck of Hillsboro, Theresa Becker of Lawrence, Kan., Mary (Steven) Bryant of Crestwood, Ky., and Angie (Ron) Fears of Barnhart;
a sister: Rita Clark of Poplar Bluff and her children; six grandsons: Geoffrey Duckworth of Fenton; Chad Duckworth of Crystal City, Gentry Bryant of Crestwood, Ky., Chase (Ashley) Bryant of La Grange, Ky., Cameron Bryant of Columbus and Robert Fears of Barnhart; three granddaughters: Cari (Kevin) Mulcahy of Paducah, Ky., Megan Bryant of Crestwood, Ky., and Ivy Fears of Barnhart; seven great-grandchildren: Garrett Duckworth, Morgan Duckworth, Rylan Duckworth, Jack Mulcahy, Eleanor Mulcahy, Henry Mulcahy, and Bexley Bryant; and one great-great-grandchild: Payton Alexander.
He was preceded in death by a grandson: Blake Duckworth.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Meals on Wheels program at the Quad City Senior Center in Crystal City. Arrangements were under the direction of Robert D. Brown Funeral Home in Hillsboro.