Philip M. Becker

Philip M. Becker, Brigadier General, U.S. Army Retired, of Mattoon, IL, passed away, on 2 March 2008, at his residence. General Becker was born on 22 August 1939, in Mulberry Grove, IL, in Bond County, the son of Mervin L. and Tascile (Bayles) Becker. He married Jean Ann Judge, his high school sweetheart, on 3 September 1960.\r\n\r\nGeneral Becker graduated Mattoon High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Post graduate studies were completed at Sangamon State University (U of I) in Springfield, IL. The General attended many military schools including The Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.\r\n\r\nAfter completing his Active Army Service, General Becker joined the Illinois Army National Guard as a career military technician serving as Aviation Facility Commander in Decatur, IL, and later promoted to the position of the State Army Aviation Officer in Springfield, IL. He thoroughly enjoyed his years as an Army Aviator, flying both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He served in many command positions during his career, including Brigade Commander, Troop Command Brigade (Chicago, IL ) and Brigade Commander, 33d Infantry Brigade (Sep) (Chicago, IL). He retired as Deputy Commander of the State Area Command for the Department of Military Affairs, State of Illinois (Springfield, IL) on 31 October 1992.\r\n\r\nIn 1964, Becker joined Kent Lumber and Supply, Inc. in Mattoon, where he became President and General Manager. During this time, he enjoyed supervising new home construction and managing the building supply center. He was involved in the development of Crestview, Willowshire and Rolling Green Subdivisions. In 1973, he left this position and returned to full-time government service.\r\n\r\nThe General's military affiliations included the National Guard Association of the U.S., National Guard Association of Illinois, Army Aviation Association, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Mattoon Golf and Country Club, Masonic Lodge and First United Methodist Church. \r\n\r\nGeneral Becker is survived by his wife, Jean Ann; sons, Bradley B. Becker and wife Cristine of Naperville, IL, Douglas B. Becker and wife Mary of Springfield, IL and John D. Becker and wife Teresa of Champaign, IL; grandchildren, Bradley B. Becker, Jr., Michelle E. Becker, Alison M. Becker, Matthew D. Becker, Victoria E. Becker, Miranda D. Becker, Lianna E. Becker; sister, Elizabeth Becker Stone, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.\r\n\r\nPreceding General Becker in death were his parents.\r\n\r\nThe funeral services honoring his life will be conducted at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL, 61938, at 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 6, 2008 with Reverend Eugene Black officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Dodge Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am-1:00 p.m., prior to the service.\r\n\r\nThose desiring may make a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society or the church of choice.

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Philip M. Becker

August 22, 1939 - March 2, 2008