CHARLESTON, IL – Greyton IrwinBecker, Sr., age 92 of Charleston and formerly of Marshfield, WI, passed awayon Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. His earthly body will be cremated and aPrivate Family Funeral Service in honor and celebration of his life will beheld at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Inurnment will be in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations inhis honor be made to a humane society of the donor's preference.
Greyton was born on September8, 1920, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the only child of Frederick John and Frances Ruth(Babbitt) Becker. He married OpheliaFrancisca Ruiz in January of 1947 and they celebrated 50 years of marriageprior to her death in February of 1997. Heis survived by six devoted and loving children, Frances Daniels and husbandJerry of Charleston, Ophelia Tubbs and husband Jerry of Overland Park, KS,Pamela Louise Becker of Charleston, Greyton Becker, Jr. and wife Pamela Jean ofFalcon Heights, MN, Frederick John Becker III and Peter Christopher Becker,both of Charleston; seven grandchildren, Brian Tubbs, Laura (Stephen) Mullin, Erin(Daniel) Walters, Jennifer (Ricardo) Oliva, Rebecca Becker, Greyton Becker IIIand fiancé Victoria, and Shaina (Kris) Wagner; and eight great-granchildren. In addition to his wife and parents he waspreceded in death by Joyce Wundrow, loving wife of son, Frederick.
Greyton was a graduate ofFort Dodge High School and received a Bachelors degree in Political Sciencefrom the University of Texas-Pan American. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran and during WWII while serving as amilitary investigator he became fluent in several languages. When living in McAllen, Texas he managedWilbur D. Kennard Oil and Gas Securities and for many years wassecretary/treasurer of Wisconsin Homes in Marshfield, WI.
It was said that Greyton wasa "renaissance man." He was extremelyathletic, a swimmer and wrestler and, in 1937, was signed by the Chicago WhiteSox as a pitcher and first baseman for their farm team. He was also musically gifted, could play the trumpet,violin, and possessed a beautiful voice. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid reader - much of hisreading was devoted to history and philosophy.
Greyton believed in leadingby example. He was a role model for hischildren as he and Ophelia created a warm and loving Christian home. He had an admirable work ethic and was a leaderwho earned the trust and respect of his employees. He was known for his kindness, generosityand love of family. Being extremelyproud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he realized theimportance of time spent with one another and made them all feel special. His wonderful, yet dry sense of humor wasappreciated and will be missed. Greytonwas a man of good character and was truly loved by his family and friends whowill now hold near and dear their many treasured memories.
Greyton was a member of the AshlarMasonic Lodge #111 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and he was a lifetime member of theFirst Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts.
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