Eugene “Gene” H. Becker, 91, of Centralia passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021. He was born on October 18, 1929, the son of Anthony and Martha (Wellinghoff) Becker in Bartelso. He married his sweetheart, Geraldine Wade in July 29, 1948 and five children were born of this union. She preceded him in death in 2002.
Survivors include his children, Michael (Barbara) Becker of Texas, Thomas (Paula) Becker of Centralia, Joyce (Michael) Harrold of Ohio, and Scott (Lisa) Becker of Centralia; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and son-in-law Leonard Haggar of Arizona.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Martha Becker; his wife Geraldine Becker; daughter Patricia Becker; and his great-granddaughter Mari Lee Becker.
Gene played an important role at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia where he kept everything running smoothly as a maintenance man, until his retirement. He was also a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church. He built homes and had a love of woodworking. He created furniture pieces and used his building skills at the church. Gene and his wife, Geraldine were social butterflies, sharing a passion for traveling and visiting with family and close friends. He was proud to be a grandpa and offer support to his grandchildren whenever they needed it. Gene’s hard work ethic, friendly smile, and love for his family will never be forgotten.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 9, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Steven Pautler officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Gene’s honor to St. Mary’s School and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Gene may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
