Howard Becker

JOLIET—Howard M. Becker, 79, of Joliet, passed away Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Howie graduated from Mendota High School in 1957. He played football for University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 1962. Howie retired after over 30 years of coaching and teaching from Gardner South Wilmington High School and Wilmington High School. He was a member of the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame. He was honored with Becker Field named after him at Wilmington High School. He was a member of the Wilmington Moose and Elks Club of Mendota.
Surviving his wife of 31 years, Barbara Becker; his children: Kristin (David) Crosby, Kathryn (Lee) Greene and Todd Becker; his step children, Thomas (Dorothy) Dancey and Tisha Bailey; his grandchildren: Scott (Braylee) Swick, Brad Swick, Karli (Brent Turner) Greene, Cody Crosby, Ryan Greene, Brynn Becker, Brooke Becker and Hannah Bailey; three great-grandchildren: Shephard Swick, Rebecca Turner and Woodley Turner; two sisters-in-law, Janet Becker and Ann Becker; his ex-wife and friend, Carol Nyi and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Sue Becker and his two brothers, Jim Becker and Rich Becker.
Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.
A celebration of his life will be held  Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Wilmington Moose, 32050 W. River Rd. Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wilmington 209U Foundation for Excellence, 209U Wildcat Court, Wilmington, IL 60481 in Howard's name will be appreciated.
For more information, visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com.
Farkas Funeral Home in Joliet is in charge of arrangements.