Gene Becker

Eugene Leroy Becker was born on December 18, 1955, to Joe and Wanda Becker.

Gene leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Atishia Becker; Son, Christopher E. Becker/ Jodi Becker of Pearcy, Arkansas; Daughter, Elizabeth Baker/ Paul Baker of Milton, Florida; Daughter, Paula R. Morgan/ Mark Lipnitzky of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Gene also leaves behind grandchildren, Hayden A. Ellis, Nolan S. Ellis, Raymond H. Ellis, Cleo H. Baker, Adysen P. Baker, Joseph Becker, Nathaniel Becker, and Nicholas Becker.

Gene leaves behind one Sister, Lois and Ronald Kallestad of Janesville, WI; Niece, Melissa Wichelt; Great-Niece, Anna Wichelt; Great-Nephew, Shawn Wichelt of Beloit, WI; Aunts, Marda Enyart of Rockford, IL, and Linda Woodruff of Juneau, WI.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Wanda Becker of Illinois; Grandparents, Bert and Ada Becker, and Jasper and Alice Boken.

Gene went into the US Navy in 1974. He did his boot camp in the Great Lakes.

Gene served on many ships; USS Saginaw LST1188, USS Steinaker DD863, USS Holland AS 38, USS Orion AS18, USS Proteus AS19, USS Abraham Lincoln CVN72.

He was stationed at multiple bases throughout his military career; Great Lakes, IL , Little Creek, VA , Guantanamo Bay, Cuba , Rota, Spain , Pensacola, FL , La Maddalena, Italy , Newport News, VA , Guam, and Meridian, MS.

Gene was a Petty Officer, 1st Class, at his retirement in 1996. He was a drug dog handler and a proud member of the Military Police for the United States Navy.

After retirement from the US Navy, Gene was employed by Colsen Casters of Jonesboro, AR.

Gene also served 7 years as a storeroom supervisor at the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, where he made cherished friends.

Out of all the battles and troubles he faced throughout his life, cancer was his toughest fight.

“To my grandchildren; May your dreams soar high, and may you always have the courage to chase after them with passion and determination.”

To everyone, Gene says, “Fair winds and following Seas. And I shall see you tomorrow.”