Robert Leon Becker, 67, died Saturday, October 7, 2017 in Garden City, Kansas. He was born May 27, 1950 in Garden City the son of Gotfred & Fern (Kortz) Becker.
Robert has been a lifetime resident of Finney County. He grew up in Pierceville where he attended school and graduated from high school. He then served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from September 1969 to September 1971. He served mostly in Panama. Robert worked for 29 years as a zookeeper at Lee Richardson Zoo. He retired in 2002. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Holcomb; a member of the American Legion, the Patriot Guard, and the Christian Motorcycle Association; he was serving as Chaplain for St. Catherine Hospice, Vets for Veterans, the American Legion, and the Patriot Guard. Robert was a dedicated blood donor where he donated 173 pints of blood to the American Red Cross. Robert enjoyed riding around town in his truck, car, and motorcycle. He also enjoyed garage sales, ministering to help people, and making cement creations and chainsaw crosses.
In October 1972, he married Sharmon Clark in Pierceville, Kansas. Robert later married Elva Beth Jones on November 19, 1974 in Garden City. She died on August 24, 2005. Robert is also preceded in death by his parents and a grandson Blackie Leon Becker. Survivors include 4 children Michelle & husband Timothy Allen of Holcomb, Ks., Brandi Becker of Garden City, Ks., Bretta & husband Darren Heinitz of Lakin, Ks., and Scott & wife Erika Clark of Garden City, Ks.; a sister LaDonna Heine of Garden City, Ks.; 13 Grandchildren; and 1 Great Grandchild.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2017 at the First Southern Baptist Church in Garden City with Pastor Jon Becker officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military graveside rites conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard and the American Legion District #8 Honor Guards. The family suggests memorials given to the Robert Becker Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday all at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.