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BORN
1983
DIED
2017
Andrew Becker Obituary
CAPT. ANDREW CHRISTOPHER December 4, 1983 - March 14, 2017
Capt. Andrew Christopher Becker, USAF, devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, and Airman died March 14, when his U-28 aircraft crashed during a 318th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) training sortie near Clovis, New Mexico. He was 33 years old. Becker attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology. Upon graduation, he was commissioned an Air Force officer through the ROTC program. He completed pilot training in 2009. Assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach, FL., Becker quickly established himself as a skilled pilot and reliable squadron mate, participating in six overseas deployments with the 34th SOS in support of counterterrorism operations. A rising star in the special operations aviation community, Becker was hand-selected in 2013 to help reactivate the 318th SOS at Cannon AFB. While there, he participated in three additional overseas deployments and was slated to begin training the next generation of Air Force navigators at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. He will be posthumously promoted to major. Loyal and optimistic beyond measure, Becker was an enthusiastic supporter of his wife and friends, and brightened every room he entered. A consummate handyman and analytical thinker, there was no home improvement project or work assignment too daunting for Becker to tackle, and he loved being able to share his knowledge with others. Becker's passion for flying extended beyond the confines of Earth's thin atmosphere; he was pursuing a Master's Degree in Space Studies at American Military University, and had begun writing a thesis titled "Defining the Limits of Outer Space." Becker also was an animal lover who donated time and efforts to animal welfare causes and charities, and he opened his heart and home to many four-legged creatures over the years.
Becker, known to his friends and family as Andy, will be fondly remembered for his generosity, kindness, and especially for his room-filling laughter—a jolly, booming, contagious laughter that brought joy to all who heard it. He is survived by his wife Shelly Klosterman Becker; parents Gary and Stacey Becker; sister Betsie Becker and her daughter, Cate; brother G.R. "Skip" Becker, Jr., his wife Mandy, and their sons Zephan and Mack; and his beloved rescue dog, Cheyenne. Funeral services, open to family and friends, will be held March 25 at 3 p.m., at Ward Presbyterian Church in Northville, MI., near Becker's hometown, Novi.
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Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Becker
John Grant
March 15, 2025
Never forgotten Andy. Thoughts and prayers from England to all who love you.
John Grant
March 15, 2024
Never forgotten Andy.
Love from England
John Grant
March 17, 2023
Dear Andy, never forgotten, always admired, always loved
John Grant
March 16, 2022
To Gary, Stacey, Skip and Beth. I will never forget Andy, a wonderful human being. With love and the deepeest respect from England
caroll stovvall
September 15, 2021
My thoughts and prayers to your family
John Grant
July 8, 2018
I have only just learned of the passing of Andy and I am heartbroken for him and all his wonderful family. I live in England and worked in conjunction with Dad Gary. I was once invited to the Becker home in Novi where I met all that wonderful family.
Everyone of them was a beautiful person and I was treated with such warmth and genuine kindness.
Having not heard from them for some time I had a feeling that something was terribly wrong and now I understand.
Andy, like all the Beckers, was a wonderful human being and my wife Brenda and I are devastated to learn this news.
Our deepest love is sent to all those touched by Andy's all too brief life
Ryan Reiter
April 6, 2017
To the Becker family I am sorry for your loss. To Andrew thank you for your service and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
April 5, 2017
Dear Gary, Stacey and family We were so very saddened to hear about the death of Andy. We have some wonderful memories of him playing at the lake with Keith and Skip. He was always so polite, attentive and knew how to have a good time. He made everyone around him feel like they were someone special. He was a gifted young man. It was an honor to know him and we are so proud of the man he became, serving our country and well as the love he had for his family and animals, his loyalty and dedication will never be forgotten. With heartfelt sympathy, Michael and Diane Noblett
March 30, 2017
What a beautiful tribute to a phenomenal man, and an American hero. I did not know Capt. Becker, but I am a resident of Clovis, and have great love and respect and admiration for our military members and their families. May God comfort you with beautiful memories of your loved one. My breaks for you, at his tragic death, in service of our country.
Linda Kyle
March 26, 2017
Gary, Stacey and family, our heartfelt sympathies and prayers for you and your family during this time of profound loss.
Linda Kyle
Kyle and Sam Clixby
Dar Wolford
March 26, 2017
We knew Andy from early years at FUMC, Northville. He was full of bravado as some young boys are, and what a joy for that! How accomplished he was for such a young man. God Bless his family, Gary and Stacey, siblings, and his wife, Shelley.
A Garcia
March 25, 2017
I did not know Captain Becker personally but from what I read he was a man of valor and integrity who lived and honorable life and will always be remembered as a hero! Thank you for your service and the honor you brang to your family and country! We are praying for your family in these hard times!
Semper Fidelas !! Sgt of Marines
Wendy White (Danny's mom)
March 25, 2017
Dearest Shelly, Stacy & Gary, and Family:
I am so very grieved for your great loss of Andy. He was an amazing young man and brought great joy to all who knew him. He was loved and respected by his fellow Airmen and will be greatly missed.
His and your sacrifice is appreciated in a way too overwhelming to express in words. May God's strength be a comfort to you during this most difficult time in your lives.
Dr. Joan Cook
March 25, 2017
Andy
You were so loved and you touched deeply so many of your fellow unit members. I hope we all can live as well as the example you left for us. Love to your wife and your family and prayers to ease their deep sorrow! Hugs, Dr J
Lindsey Eliason
March 25, 2017
Gary & Stacey, I am very sorry for your loss. It is an honor to know/read of Andy's wonderful service for our country. While I didn't know him, this obituary paints a picture of a wonderful human being here on earth. The angels are dancing in heaven as they welcome him saying "Well done good and faithful servant!"
Rita Gallegos
March 24, 2017
My heart felt condolences to all the family. Thank you Sir for your service. May he rest in peace.
March 23, 2017
What a beautifully written obituary. We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
With deepest sympathy,
John & Lisa Weyer
Canton, MI
Claudia Borcherts
March 23, 2017
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Capt. Andrew Christopher was such a brave man who have done so much for our country, and a very special son and husband not to mention a true friend to all! He will be sorely missed!
Sincerely,
Claudia and Fred Borcherts
Steve Gentz
March 23, 2017
So sorry for your loss. It hurts to read about the death of such a wonderful man. My son too was in the Air Force. Captain Joel Christopher Gentz KIA 2010.
Sean
March 23, 2017
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2)
Samuel & Nancy Mosley
March 23, 2017
Andy you were the best neighbor. Always so kind to us and my sister Wendy Werner. You set an example of a great military airman as well as a wonderful overall person. I am so happy to have met you and Shelly and your beloved doggies while you lived in Mary Esther Florida. God your son is home, please take him in and keep him blessed. Rest In Peace dear Andy.
Nancy and Samuel Mosley Jr.
Mary Esther, Florida.
Sue Ellen DeMond
March 23, 2017
Oh Stacey and Gary I am so sorry it hear this news. How proud you are of Andrew with all he did to help this country. I can not imagine your grief. Please know I am praying for your whole family and my thoughts are with you. God Bless Andrew and thank you for your service. Sue Ellen (Blough) DeMond
Laura
March 23, 2017
My heart breaks for your family. Sending prayers and love.
-a military mom
March 22, 2017
Andy you will light the way for any one person willing to follow. Rest easy Major your watch is done .
Your cousin Sally
a nichols
March 21, 2017
RIP, Capt Becker. Thanks for your legacy of awesomeness. To the family, my condolences on the loss of a great man. I pray the tears of sadness will soon turn to smiles of fond memories...
Marlaina Backos
March 21, 2017
You don't know me nor I you....but this obituary was written so beautifully that I felt like I knew Captain Andrew Christopher Becker...May God Bless your entire family.
Marlaina Backos
Clinton Township
Isabel Allum
March 21, 2017
Another Angel to watch over us. Thank you for your service, gone but not forgotten. Prayers to all your Family and Friends. May you Rest In Peace.
March 21, 2017
I sincerely offer my condolence: Words seem insufficient at his time. Although nobody denies the certainty of death, we all need comfort in the reality of it. May you find real comfort and relief, and begin to recover gradually from your pain. With the love and help from those around you.
Kathleen Jiskra
March 21, 2017
I will and have always loved you Andy. I'm so proud of everything you have done for yourself and others. You had the biggest heart and were always headed to following your dreams. I'll never forget a day I had with you. I remember each moment we spent together. I'm so sorry for the heartache this brings your family, as everyone that knew you loved you. Yet how much joy it will bring to them as they remember each and every second they had with you. I know you'll live on through each and everyone's heart.
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