Emil Becker Jr.

1942 - 2012

Emil Becker Jr. obituary, 1942-2012, Evansville, IN

Emil Becker Obituary

Emil J. Becker Jr.
Evansville, Ind.
Emil J. Becker Jr. was a damn good lawyer. Just ask him. (Oops, too late.)
Born, raised and having spent most of his life in Evansville, he left early Thursday morning to plead one more case (no doubt an easy argument). He survived (until now) liver cancer, a liver transplant and that judge. (Gotcha!)
The obligatory stuff: Emil was a 1960 graduate of Memorial High School, received his A.B. from Wabash College in 1964 and his law degree from I.U. in 1967. He worked in Richmond and Union City, moved back to Evansville, was a trust officer at Old National and eventually went out on his own to practice criminal law.
Along the way he kept knocking on the door of a house on Alvord until the girl that lived there finally agreed to go out with him. Six years later, he and Shannon married. Five years after that, Elesha showed up, then E.J. and eventually his grandson, Brennan. Emil enjoyed going out to eat with his wife, hearing Elesha make music, forcing his son to move bricks from one place to another and then back again (and then he'd get a new load of bricks and start the process all over) and then continued that tradition (insanity) with his grandson.
Emil had a green thumb and could grow almost anything (except a fern after Shannon got hold of it -- nothing could save one of those), loved planting, gardening, mowing the lawn, collected/loved stuff, was the consummate tinkerer (lesson: hire someone!) and single handedly kept Goop, Gorilla Glue, duct tape manufacturers and the "fart card" division of the greeting card industry in business.
He could nap on command.
Emil Becker loved being a lawyer. He always said if you don't love what you're gonna do when you go to work each day, you need a different job.
He didn't just practice law, he was an outstanding advocate for people who needed one, whether they could afford it or not. Asked "why in the world do you wear those crazy sport coats" he would answer something like, "think the jury'll notice?"
Traveling with his family was one of Emil's favorite things to do. Disney World, Europe, Williamsburg, the Indiana State Fair...didn't matter. And if he could have, he would have traveled everywhere in a convertible.
He was never far from a Vienna Finger or an Oreo (or a moon pie, vanilla ice cream...) and had a very simple culinary philosophy: eat dessert first.
Sticking around to clean up the crumbs are his daughter, Elesha and her husband, Brian Downs (who he actually came to love); his son, E.J. and his wife, Stephanie Becker; his grandson, Brennan.
Taking off before him, his wife of 46 years, Shannon (who received the majority of the "fart cards"); father and mother, Emil Sr. and Viola; sister Marcia; Happy the cat, Muffy the dog; and any number of feline friends who like (and thanks to) him, never missed a meal.
There are no words to describe the love and care Emil received from Dr. David Schultz II and his family as well as everyone who took care of him at Good Sam. Deborah White has been a blessing of "Sunshine."
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2012, at Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel and again from 8 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mid-America Transplant Services, www.mts-stl.org (and please consider becoming an organ donor) or the March of Dimes, of which Emil was a past president.
And yes Henry, now he is.
Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net.

Published by Courier Press on Jun. 29, 2012.
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Great guy great lawyer , helped me out with my kids and family , didn't charge you a arm and leg to help you out . Sorry to c he has passed.

Mark Hazel

November 5, 2022

I worked at the Vanderburgh County Courthouse in the latter half of the 90´s. I was in the clerks office early in the morning collecting files for misdemeanor court when we first met. He walked into the office and observed me for a bit then approached the counter and asked "Are you talking to yourself?" I asked "Are you eavesdropping?" He laughed and said "I am going to like you." I said " Ditto!" He was my favorite attorney from then on and I looked for him to make sure he had what he needed and was squared away. He was a kind and good man through and through.

Samantha Alderson Collins

June 23, 2022

Wow, That obit for sure sounds like he wrote it.
I had him as a law professor at Lockyear College in the mid 80's. He was engaging and smart. He made the information clear and memorable.
I have been living out of state for 22 years and missed his passing. My sincere 'late' condolences.
I'm certain he's greatly missed by his loved ones.

Patricia Willard

School

May 19, 2022

He Was A Good Dude & A Real Good Lawyer
He Helped Me Out Couple Time's.i Wish The Best To His Family. R.I.P EMIL

Louis Whitledge II

July 19, 2012

Ok, did Emil write this obit? Sounds just like him. He always made me blush and then laugh, and helped me through some troubling times. Gonna miss ya bud. See ya later!!

Jeri Harpe

July 19, 2012

My sincere condolences to his family. I worked in the Prosecutor's Office for 10 1/2 yrs and met Mr Becker through my job. My father-in-law also knew him and was from the same "old school". His obituary reminded me so much of "Pop"..............same sense of humor. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Debbie Day

July 15, 2012

My love and prayers go out to Mr. Becker's family. I miss him telling many us in the clerk's office about his traveling. He was always here bright and early ready to work. I like to see what new tie he would have along with a new joke. I will think of him often.

Tiffany Brown

July 13, 2012

E.J. and Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
A Bosse classmate

Kimberly Alexander Dixie

July 11, 2012

I had him as my lawyer in 2007 he was awsome guy to talk to.

sherry brown

July 7, 2012

I had the privilege of meeting Emil at Lockyears, where he taught Business Law. He was a hoot Emil and I became friends immediately. I am truly sorry to hear about your loss and he will be greatly missed

Ralph A. Pigman

July 6, 2012

Your Dad taught a law class I took and the first thing he said to us was, "The most important thing you'll ever learn in this class is ...... never stiff your Lawyer" I knew then this was going to be a fun class and it was. Your Dad was a hoot and a great person to know.

Rick Ingler

July 4, 2012

I'm sorry to hear that Emil has left us to go home with his wife. He was a good man and a great lawyer. He helped me several times.He ask me every time he seen me (is there any thing I can do) My condolence

Kenneth Cavanaugh

July 3, 2012

I knew Emil through my husband, Rod Grove. They were good friends and colleagues, and shared their alma maters of Wabash College and IU Law School. Rod had such love and respect for Emil, and it was always a joy to see him when we'd cross paths. When I read his obituary, I was betting in my mind that Emil himself wrote most of it, and the joy he felt and exuded in his life was exemplified in this writing!

His was a life well-lived, and he inspired so many people with his wit and generosity of spirit! He helped me through some tough times after my loss of my husband, helped my Mom when she needed it, and I'll never forget those crazy sportcoats he loved to wear.

Rest in peace Emil, and my heartfelt sympathy to Elesha, E.J and the entire Becker family. You all were so so lucky to have had him in your lives!

Sarah Grove

July 3, 2012

you will be missed you were a great guy who helped many

sam evans

July 2, 2012

I had the pleasure to practice law against Emil and later judge many of Emil`s cases. Emil was "old school" and I loved him for that. He was a fighter, but one of the nicest guys in the world. There will never be another Emil Becker.

Brett Niemeier

July 2, 2012

Never heard of your dad, and will probably never meet any of you (a friend actually posted this on Facebook), but I just want to let you know how happy I am for you that you had the privilege of being his family!!

July 2, 2012

ELISHA,BRIAN,EJ,STEPHANIE,& BRENNAN, EMIL, ALWAYS HAD A SMILE, AND SOMETHING TO SAY, YOU NEVER NEW WHAT HE WAS GOING TO SAY, BUT MOST OF THE TIME IT MADE YOU LAUGH. HE WAS A GREAT MAN, AND I AM SO GLAD I NEW HIM. HE WILL BE MISSED. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE. JANET & BILLY BECK

JANET BECK

July 1, 2012

I was one of his students in ethics and law a long long time ago. Loved him and his infectious smile and sense of humor. It was always fun to run into him and have a chat...he always remembered who I was and always had a minute to tease and tell jokes. What a great man and great ethics influence on me when I was young. My sympathies to the family.

Linda Bailey

July 1, 2012

Emil was a great man! He was so kind. I loved and respected his honesty. We need more lawyers like him! His family will be in my prayers!

July 1, 2012

Emil you will be truly missed, you were one helluva lawyer. Glad I got to know you, and thank you for all you did for us!!!!
Brandy Walker and Family

July 1, 2012

Emil was a good and kind person but would tell you honestly how he felt about something.He was a very good friend to my sister.We will miss him.

Elizabeth Johns

July 1, 2012

Mr. Becker was my Bus Law instructor at Lockyear. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a story to tell. After class he would take us all out to get something to eat and tell more stories.
His obit fit him perfectly. I wish I had seen of his passing intime to pay my respects.
RIP Mr Becker. I'm sure you won your last argument.

Cheryl Williams

June 30, 2012

so sorry for your loss. Emil was a good man, and could always make us laugh.We loved his obit, sounded just like him.

Cora &Larry Ritter

June 30, 2012

Elesha, EJ and Family,
Emil was my attorney for many years when I was in real estate in Evansville. During that time I adopted a baby girl. Emil handled everything for me. He even asked me bring her by the house so Shannon could see her! That meant so much to me. There was no one else like Emil, and I 'm sure there never will be. He was very special and always had a mischevious twinkle in his eye when he smiled. I have no doubt he wrote his on obit..leaving only the blanks for you to fill in:-) My thoughts and Prayers go out to you both.

Cydney Topper

June 30, 2012

I did not know Mr. Becker, but his obit sounds like he will be truly missed by those who knew him. My condolences to his family, friends and community.

Adrienne Grant

June 30, 2012

Dear EJ---my father, Mel Griffin was your father's next door neighbor for many years. When Dad died I asked Emil to help me with the estate. He was not only a very fair and compassionate attorney---he became a friend and we shared alot of stories and humor. He would be proud to be remembered and honored with such a sense of kidding and fun. My sympathies to the family and friends---and thank you for the smiling remembrance.

Don Griffin

June 30, 2012

I remember Mr Becker from Lockyear's Business College. He taught business law and was one of my favorite courses and instructor. He used to play pool with us after class in the rec. room. Very likeable man. My prayers are with the family during this time of loss.

Dick Liebo

June 30, 2012

Dear Emil,
My I follow in your footsteps...you are a true blessing..and I didn't get to meet you..love and huggz
Angie

June 30, 2012

Emil sounds like a wonderful man. How lucky are those who had the privilege of knowing him. I aspire to live a life that is like his, one of caring, sharing, humor, and family. My heart felt condolences to his family and friends.

Angie

June 29, 2012

So sorry to hear that Emil had passed away. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold and a wonderful sence of humor. He was my attorney years ago and even my Busines Law instructor. He will truely be missed by many of us. My condolences to the entire family.

Mavis Gibson

June 29, 2012

Elesha, I am so sorry for your loss Loved working down the hall from your dad. He always made me smile and I could listen for hours about his stories. Don't know if he wrote the obit himself but if he did not...it definitely sounds like something he would say :) Love ya! Sarah

Sarah Courtney

June 29, 2012

Whomever wrote Mr. Becker's obit has touch more people then you can ever realize. This is a wonderful and honest way to celebrate your love one. I am sure Mr. Becker is smiling in heaven. My condolences to he family. Cindy

June 29, 2012

Sorry to hear Emil passed away, he was a good friend and a wonderful person. He was my lawyer for many years. I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace my friend

Jackie Price

June 29, 2012

dorothy kohlmeyer

June 29, 2012

To the Becker Family,

I never met your Husband, Father, Grandfather, Father - In- Law, Brother, Uncle etc.

BUT as a Funeral Director of over 40 years, I have to say that IF HE wrote the Death Notice that was printed in the local newspaper, HE has to have been an amazing man. I have written HUNDREDS of these, and his is VERY special.

Whether he wrote it himself, or just inspired you to remember him in such an special way, I know he affected your lives with love and mirth. Hold on to all the special memories. I know there will be times of sadness, but remember the laughter....

Robert Huntoon

June 29, 2012

Elesha and EJ I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was a GREAT MAN with a BIG HEART and the BEST LAWYER ever.

Diane Thomson
Mishawaka, IN

June 29, 2012

Easily the best tribute to a man I've read. I didn't know him, but learned of his passing when a friend shared the obit via Facebook. Sounds like a guy who lived his life exactly as he wanted -- quite a lesson to learn. My condolences for the large void you must be feeling.

jane

jane b

June 29, 2012

I, too, like many people who have commented on here, never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Becker, but I am certain he was an amazing man. When I first read the obituary at 5:00am in the morning, I immediately shared a link to it with all my friends and family on Facebook as a reminder that even in death we can celebrate life in such a way as to touch others' hearts. Reading the obituary brought tears to my eyes although I never even knew him. What an amazing tribute to a man who seems to have been a wonderful, loving, and humorous individual that has influenced many people over the years, and even continues to do so now! So much love to his family...

Angela Vowells

June 29, 2012

Shannon, Elesha and EJ,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all that you find peace and comfort during these times and always.

Brett N. O'Daniel

June 29, 2012

I didn't know Emil Becker, nor do I live in Indiana, but I loved this obituary. what a beautiful way to express who someone was in life! he had to have been an amazing man with an eat desert first philosophy. I'm sorry for your families loss.

emily

June 29, 2012

I went to Memorial with Emil and haven't seen him since graduation. I do remember him being a nice guy, a little chubby, and always wearing bright jackets. I would never ever have recognized him from this picture. I'm so happy to see that he had a nice family and took so much pride in them. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope he didn't suffer long.
Sincerely,

Deanna Southerland Schinsky

June 29, 2012

Claudia Schenk

June 29, 2012

To E.J. and Elesha - What a wonderful tribute to your dad! I know his influence will continue to impact your lives - and those around you. He and your mom gave you the gift of a close-knit family. That legacy will remain with you through the stories, the laughter, his witticisms and his wisdom.
Praying for you both during this difficult time.
Love,
Madame T.

June 29, 2012

I didn't know Mr. Becker, but his obituary is a wonderful tribute to a life well-lived and a man well-remembered. Thank you for sharing your memories of the joy he brought to so many.

E Bush

June 29, 2012

I did not know this man nor his family. The obituary was amazing. I'm sorry for the loss of, what sounds like, a true loved one. He sounded like a great man. Paryers are with the family.

G. Simmons

June 29, 2012

Sorry for ur loss. We didn't know him but reading the obituary he sounded like a wonderful man. Bless u all

Wayne & Robbin Weber

June 29, 2012

Well wishes go out to the family of a man I never knew but seems like I missed out a soulful being.I'm sure his family will be void such a person who loved life,and seemed to to share that love.

D Scott

June 29, 2012

I had many an interesting conversation with Emil over the years and enjoyed his vast selection of ties. His obituary suits him well. Rest in peace.

Carla Hayden

June 29, 2012

This was the best obituary that I have ever read. It would have been a pleasure to know this man. My condolences to the family and to his friends. It sounds like he was a very interesting man and I am sure that he will be greatly missed. I wish I had known him.

Michele Smith

June 29, 2012

What a colorful and wonderful way to remember Mr. Becker! I didn't know him, but sounds like those of you that did were very lucky. God Bless to the family on this loss.

J Griffin

June 29, 2012

Emil used to help w the one of the Voting Polls over on the Eastside along w Myself and Uncle... Never a dull moment and always a knee slapping comment or a story deserving of a old trombone Wah wah Wahhhhhh at the end... Kinda makes you wonder if or how much of he had a hand in this Obit. But the man had a heart of gold Im sure touched many and will be severely missed by all those close to him.

James

June 29, 2012

Having attended Lockyear Business College in 1988-89 I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Becker as instructor of my Business Law Class. The first day of class he introduced himself and spoke for a few minutes on the law and what it's purpose was intended to be. I had a few questions left unanswered and after class went to him. Before I could speak Mr. Becker looked into my eyes and said, "The law IS the law and absolutely NO ONE is above it. Now how can I help you, Miss?" I was hooked on law at that moment. He took each question and each student in it's/their time and answered questions and made references each of us needed to finish our assignments. We left that classroom all the better and wiser for having met him and having him as instructor for that class. Thank you, Emil Becker, Jr. for filling my inquisitive mind with the law. May you rest in eternal peace as the angels rock you.

Vickie Rabold

June 29, 2012

I didn't know Mr Emily Becker Jr but I am sure I would have liked him if I would have known him. God Bless.

Laura Wilkerson

June 29, 2012

A good friend, a good teacher. He will be missed by many.

Brenda Harmon

June 29, 2012

I only knew him in passing. (No pun intended.) One would say I knew his sport coat, as it could never be missed! Reading this obit warmed my heart, brought tears to my eyes, and a huge smile to my face. I'm glad to finally meet the man behind the coat. He's every bit the character I imagined him to be...and more. What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. No doubt his legacy will live on through many of his friends and family. Thank you for sharing yet another piece of him. He's surely enjoying this...from a front row seat with a box of Oreo's.

Jacqueline Notter

June 29, 2012

That Obit nailed him...He was never without a smile and a joke...good man and will be missed

Allan Henson

June 29, 2012

I like a few others here so far did not know Mr. Becker. I was forwarded a link to his obituary and after reading it I must say that the man must have done quite a few things right in his life to leave someone behind who could so eloquently pay this final tribute. I'd like to think this was his daughter or son (maybe even a collaboration between the two) who wrote this touching remembrance. I would hope to get such wonderful recounting of my life.
Whoever did this, kudos to you. For both possessing the skill to forge such a moving epitaph and for having been wise enough to appreciate the qualities Mr. Becker possessed. Sorry for your loss.

Nathan Hovious

June 29, 2012

I didn't know him, but how I wish I had! I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful, funny, entertaining man! My heart goes out to all of you. And I thank him for this great obituary.
Kim Taylor, KY

June 29, 2012

Emil was a great guy sorry to hear of his passing. Everybody loved him. Good friend and a good lawyer. Who couldn't love him with his Mickey Mouse tie and watches.

Robert Kingsbury

June 29, 2012

Mr.Becker was my business law teacher at Lockyear Business College in 1973-74. He always kept class interesting & fun. My prayers and condolences to the family.

John Herring, Jr.

June 29, 2012

I don't know him either, but his obituary is making its way around the community, and now I wish I had. Love and prayers go out to the family, may you continue celebrating his life.

Jordan

June 29, 2012

Well I didn't know Emil but after reading the obit, I felt that I had. A friend shared his obit on Facebook and it was refreshing to read one that remembers a loved one in this way. He seems like a man with a lot of good stories, family, and friends. A life of smiles and laughter. May your family have all the thoughts and prayers to allow you to continue remembering Emil in this way. Thank you for sharing your loved one with us.

Mandy Mahurin

June 29, 2012

This is the best obituary I have read. I met Mr Becker just once or twice. He was my ex-husband's attorney, but he kept making sure *I* was ok and not getting a bad deal. He was very nice. My condolences to his family

April

June 29, 2012

What a great tribute to Mr. Weber.

Linda Cleek

June 29, 2012

I wish I would have had the pleasure to know Mr. Weber. His obituary was a good way for people to remember him and for those of us that did not, wish we had known this good man. My sympathy to his family and friends.

Julie

June 29, 2012

I did not read it in obit, but pretty sure Mr Becker was one of my teachers at Lockyear College in the 80's? Glad to see he was still an interesting man all his life! Sorry for family's loss.

Martha Kellems

June 29, 2012

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Weber personally, but over the years I would always see him walking into the Civic Center and I often wondered what he did there. According to his obituary, he was a fun person to know. God bless you all in your time of sorrow.

Denise S.

June 29, 2012

I knew Emil from the Vanderburgh County Misdemeanor office. He would come into the office every morning bright and early to check out the court calendar. He was always cheerful and full of stories to share with us. We all miss him and his ready smile. Heaven just added a fine human being to It's legal staff.

Mary Ann Weightman

June 29, 2012

Emil was the funniest, nicest, honest, most sincere person I know. He wasn't gonna lie to me. I remember his best advise was one day we were walking to court and he asked me what my hurry was (I was walking to fast), he told me to slow down and enjoy myself or I was gonna miss out on all of the good things you see when you take your time. The World lost a wonderful person.

Christy Greathouse

June 29, 2012

Well, I didn't know him, but his obituary is on FB- and he is being hailed as an awesome man with a great sense of humor, compassion, and love of life. May his family continue to be blessed with his legacy of love and humor! Thank you for sharing him with all of us in this way.

Linn Ash

June 29, 2012

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Emil was an incredibly kind and sincere man, uncommon in the environment in which we worked together. His wit and humor makes me smile even today. Good bless your family during this time and always.

Samantha Collins

June 29, 2012

So sorry to hear of Emil's passing. He was a man who always had something to say...............
Back in the late 80's I worked for Karl Lamb and got to know him when he would come in the office.
My deepest sympathy to the family
Rosemary Shortridge Parcell

June 29, 2012

I didn't know Mr. Weber, but after reading his obituary, I wish I had. What a wonderful tribute filled with humor, admiration and love from someone who clearly knew him well. To celebrate the passing of a loved one just as you have, is refreshing. My sympathy to his family and friends but also my happiness that you shared so much in his life. Tina Ritter

June 29, 2012

I knew Emil when he was at Pine Haven...That is the best obituary I have ever read. A true celebration of Emil's life...

June 29, 2012

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