Mr. Charles W. Becker

Charles William “Bud” Becker, 82, of Goodells, Michigan died Friday, March 18, in his home. Charles was born September 16, 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Edward Gustav and Helen Grace Becker. While attending Marysville High School he began working at a local bakery, which became the start of a lifelong interest. After graduating, he enlisted in the Armed Services where he served as baker for two years. He then baked for the St. Clair County Medical Center and taught at Marysville High School. In 1960 he married Mary Sue Hodge of Snover, Michigan, who preceded him in death in 1977. In 1962 he earned his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Michigan State University. After opening and operating the Memphis Meat Market and Bakery for five years, Mr. Becker began teaching at Memphis High School where he taught Michigan, U.S. and World History. After several years of teaching, he became principal of Memphis Middle School, during which time he also served as Wales Township Supervisor. In 1978 he married Louise Kay (Parker) Eldred. He sold insurance for Farm Bureau after taking a break from education, but returned to teach at Memphis for several more years. He was also a member of the Memphis Lions Club. While growing up in the country, Bud developed a love for nature, gardening, farming and keeping livestock. After moving to a small farm in Goodells in 1961 he was able to realize his interests and hobbies. At various points during fifty-five wonderful years he enjoyed keeping two-hundred sheep, milking four Brown Swiss cows and raising several Black Angus cattle. In addition to livestock, he also dug and stocked two ponds, tended three large gardens and enjoyed his own bend of Pine River. Later in his life he enjoyed collecting tractors, raising catfish, watching movies and reading. He also volunteered his time at Marwood Nursing and Rehab. He is survived by his wife, Louise Kay Becker, and the five children they raised together: sons Craig Becker of Goodells; Kevin (Gayle) Becker of Rockton, Illinois; daughter Amy (Dave) Wahls of Goodells; and sons Christopher (Tyra) Becker of Ann Arbor and Jeffery Eldred of Chesterfield; seven grandchildren: Simeon, Cassielle, Olivia, James, Anna, Christina and Astrid; brother Robert (Jackie) of Crosslake, Minnesota, aunt Viola (Ernest) Heim, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staffs at McLaren Hospital, Marwood Nursing and Rehab, and the Visiting Nurses Association and Blue Water Hospice for their care and dedication. Cremation has taken place. Condolences may be shared by visiting charles-william-becker.forevermissed.com

Mr. Charles W. Becker

September 16, 1933 - March 18, 2016