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Donald BECKER Obituary
Donald E. "Don", cherished husband of 40 years to Kennetha Lynn (Mitchell) Becker; devoted father and father-in-law of Mackenzie (Becker) & C.J. Rice, respectively; fun-loving and adored grandfather of Becker Wade Rice (who was #1 in Don's life); wonderful son-in-law of Kenneth & Hazel Mitchell; caring brother to Edward Becker; beloved brother-in-law to Karen (Mitchell) Culter; loving uncle to Elliott & Austin Culter; preceded in death by parents Donald R. and Mae Becker. A compassionate, generous, huge-hearted man who touched and influenced the lives of many. He loved camaraderie and bringing people together. He was deeply loved not only by his friends and family, but also the entire Kroger community. Passed away on Feb 16 at age 62. Private memorial for family on Feb 21 and public memorial on Tuesday, Feb 22 at 3:30 pm at Duke Energy Convention Center Junior Ballroom, 525 Elm St., 45202. The family requests that you wear jeans. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to HEARTT Animal Refuge, 11354 Reading Rd., Sharonville OH 45241 Condolences to the family may be made at hodappfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald BECKER
Sally Young
February 13, 2023
I just wanted to say that I've never seen so many tributes on a website. Don Becker was a tried & true man & I'm thankful to have known him. I know your loss. Know that you're in all of the hearts who knew him.
W. A.B.
May 18, 2016
Just as this candle will represent an eternal flame, So too will the memories of this beloved family live on in the lives of all who know them. Thank you Becker Family for sharing your lives and time with all of us. Friends that you always made feel like family : ) Lots of Fun watching the children grow up each season on the Lake. Sharing time, one of the greatest gifts we are given. Thank you for sharing yours with us.
Kathy Y
July 27, 2013
An incredible man. You are still missed so much..........every single day! But I have comfort knowing God is blessing you.
Gene Tomey
September 26, 2012
Lynn & Family,
I guess it's hard to know what to say ... I just sold a motorcycle to a couple from Cincinnati and one of them worked for Kroger on Vine street. I asked her if she knew Don and was shocked to hear of his death. I respected Don and all of you and am so, so sorry to not have been able to see him and ejoy a glass of wine together and talk of old stories! Stay strong and relish the memories of the wonderful life you shared together. You and McKenzie will be in my prayers and thoughts ... Gene
Lyndel Trager
October 13, 2011
Dear Lynn, I just learned yesterday of Don's death and am so sorry for you and your family. Through the years of my real estate career, you both stand out as two of my favorite and special people I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Don was just a terrific guy in everyway. His smile, his enthusiasm and his joy for living made him so wonderful to work with and for. I don't know if you will ever read this since I am so late in knowing about his death, but I would love to talk to you. We are going to Florida for two weeks in November. Are you going to be in Naples then. Know that you and MacKenzie and CJ are in my prayers. Lyndel Trager, 317-413-3176
kat
February 25, 2011
Don.....rest in peace. The loss of you is heavy on our minds, but we know that you are in a better place.
Lynn, Mackenzie, Becker. C.J.....may peace be with you in all of the days ahead. My heartfelt sympathies are with you all.
Tom Donges
February 23, 2011
Lynn and Mackenzie
I worked for Don in zone B as a store mgr. HE WAS THE BEST OF THE BEST!!
GOD BLESS ALL
Judy King-Baker
February 23, 2011
I was very sad to hear the news about Don's passing. I worked with Don at Kroger Central. He was very kind to me and my children. Every year at the beginning of July Don would call to inform me I had fireworks in his office. And, one Saturday I was working overtime and it was snowing. When I left the office, Don was at my car scraping off the snow! Don was the President of the Central KMA calling an administrative assistant to give them fireworks and taking time to scrape off a vehicle! That is amazing... Don took the time to stop and speak with everyone in the office... I have never nor will I ever forget the kindness of Don Becker. I hope his grandson grows up to be just like his grandfather.
Flinnoy Hopton, Jr.
February 23, 2011
I met Don 25+ years ago when he and Tom Bruce were VP's at Kroger Cincinnati-Dayton division. I was an account manager for ConAgra's Eckrich processed foods group. He always exhibited high morale character. I was fortunate to have severed with Don on several committees including Business & Industry committees. Becker's legacy is for Kroger to be diverse in hiring, retention and promotional opportunities.
May God bless the family and give them an everlasting peace.
Flinnoy Hopton,Jr.
Faye Powell
February 23, 2011
Great man, life long friend...blessings to the family
Dean and Trish General
February 21, 2011
Lynn, MacKenzie, CJ, Becker and Family- our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rev 7:17 'for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes'. Don's legacy lives on in the lives of your family and in the hearts of all of us that he impacted so greatly. We are all better for having known him. Praying for your peace.
Michelle Powell
February 21, 2011
My prayers are with you!
Jim & Debbie
February 21, 2011
Don was truly a great man in the grocery industry. My husband and I have been in the business over 30 years and have not seen many people as admired and respected as Mr. Becker. There will truly be a void in the Kroger company without his dynamic presence. Lynn, Mackenzie and your whole extened family - know that others across the Kroger family are praying for your comfort. He will truly be missed by many.
Chris Kirkland
February 21, 2011
To the Becker family... Very sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my prayers. His work here is now done, and he is in a better place.
jane paff
February 21, 2011
Lynn and Mackenzie and family, I am shocked and saddened at this devestating news. Donnie was always such a caring and giving man and a man that put his family first. Although I don't live in OH anymore, I know how much he was loved by his brother, Eddie, and how proud his parents were of him when they were alive. Please know you are in my familys thoughts and prayers as you get through this tough loss.. There will never be another man like him. I am proud to have known him. Gods Peace...Jane Benson and family
Sharon & Larry Williams
February 21, 2011
What beautiful words written about your father, Mackenzie! If a person met him "once," they remembered. My sister said the same thing. We met your parents at Mama Corollas in Indy one summer. I love the phrase, "God gave us memories so we might have roses in December." Know that you are being remembered during this time.
Kathy Bozsan
February 20, 2011
Lynn & Mackenzie,
Although it has been years since our times spent together,the memories vividly remain. It so grieves my heart to hear the news about Don’s passing.
I remember well that he was not only a revered business man,but how he cherished his family and valued his friendships. I can only imagine the joy that it brought him in being a grandpa.
Don was a wonderful example of a life well lived, as a Christian Brother. It was a blessing to be called his
“friend” for a brief moment in time,even if it was just seeing his face at Kroger.
God bless you and your families at this most difficult time. Know that we love you.
Kim Barnes
February 20, 2011
Lynn, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Becker was the reason I got promoted to store manager when I did and I will always be grateful for that! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy (Lovett) Knott
February 20, 2011
Lynn,
I was so sorry to learn about Don. He was a great guy. HE had a great since of humor and fun to work with. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you
February 20, 2011
Lynn,
We so sorry to learn about Don. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
David and Cheryl (Flora) Bickel
Isaac and Faye Flora
Becki Conway
February 20, 2011
May God bless you and your family at this difficult time.
Betty Amole
February 20, 2011
Lynn, I really appreciate what Don did for me while I was working. He was a super guy. You are in my prayers.
John & Pearl Lute
February 20, 2011
Lynn,Thinking of you at your time of sorrow.Don will be missed by many. You are in our prayers.
Jenny Noble
February 20, 2011
Mrs. Becker,
I will be forever greatful to Mr. Becker for the kindness and compassion he showed to me during my 34+ years at Kroger. He was a wonderful man and I will never forget his caring compassion during a period of tragedy following my daughter's automobile accident. My heart goes out to your entire family.
Jenny Noble
Retired Floral Manager
Madeira
Adrian Pratt
February 19, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
February 19, 2011
Lynn- We are devasted to hear of Don's passing. Don was a wonderful person who we hoped would bless the world with his presence forever. You have our deepest sympathies.
Gene & JoAnn Allspach
Bellaire, Texas
February 19, 2011
Extending our sincerest sympathy.
Larry Brown and Jane Toerner-Brown.
Elmer Fackey - The Kroger Co. (1966-2005)
February 19, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Michael Leonard
February 19, 2011
As a Representative of UFCW International Union I had many occasions to work with Don professionally.He was in every way capable, fair and honorable. His determination to do the best that could be done for the Company he loved and as well as its employees made Don an exceptional and respected counterpart in our efforts. His generousity and compassion beyond his business life is well known and a testament to the great guy he was.
Char Wright
February 19, 2011
Lynne,
Know that you and yours are in our prayers at this very difficult time. Don was my first Kroger son, he became a great friend as well as co-worker. No matter what his position within the company, he remained open and easy to talk to. My husband will never forget their deep sea fishing trip (Don's first trip fishing), my daughter will never forget his trying to save her from a bad decision and one of my best memories is the two of you driving to Bright In on a Sunday afternoon to attend a surprise 25th Anniversary party for us.
Char and Joe
AKA Mom
Mary Leonard
February 19, 2011
Dear Lynn and family...May time mend your broken hearts. I know there are no words to comfort you....just know, in God's time, you will be together again. With sincere sadness for your loss.
Rob Bozsan
February 19, 2011
Lynn, Mackenzie and family,
We are shocked and so saddended to hear about Don's passing. Don had so many great qualities, but above all, I will always remember his friendship, compassion & sincerity when I was going through some difficult times in my professional career. Don was always there; with support, advice, prayer and true friendship, which I have never forgotten. Don was truly a good guy. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
February 19, 2011
Lynn, Mackenzie, CJ & Becker,
Our hearts are broken for your loss. Don's footprint will be forever remembered. He has touched the lives of more people than you could ever know. He and your entire family hold a very special place in our hearts, especially Brennan's...or should we be saying "Hermie" as Don loved to call Brennan. In these most difficult times of your lives, dwell on the wonderful memories of Don. We pray for peace upon the entire Becker/Rice and Kroger family for this tragic loss.
With all our love,
Brennan (Hermie) & Carrie Howell
Hutchinson, Kansas
Bob Hodge
February 19, 2011
God bless you Don. You have left this world a better place because of your being here. I have great memories of our time working together and of our friendship after Kroger. I am very proud of all your accomplishments and am very pleased that I had a little part in it during our time together at Kroger. You have earned the opportunity to spend eternity with our God. I look forward to seeing you in the next life when my time comes. God Bless! Bob Hodge
Tom Scott
February 19, 2011
How blessed we all were to have known Don. He touched all of our lives in a way that became his legacy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
June Potter
February 19, 2011
Lynn, Don was a very special wonderful person, he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
June Potter
February 19, 2011
I will never understand God's will, but understand that He only takes the best. I had the pleasure of meeting Don, feeling the comfort of an arm around the shoulder and words of thanks each time we met. Lynn and family, I was shocked and saddened by your loss and know your grief. There are no words, but know that Don was loved and will be missed by all. Sally Young, CMA
Darlene and Tim Baker
February 18, 2011
Lynn and Family, I worked with Don 28 years ago at the Fairfield Kroger. He was a great guy to work for. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Claudia Amerine
February 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family during this difficult time......may the good lord bring you comfort and strength.....
February 18, 2011
Words cannot express the sorrow that Don's Kroger family feels in the midst of this great loss.
Although I worked in same office with Don for many years, I never worked with him directly. The way it worked with Don was that it did not matter if you were sitting next to him deciding the best sales strategy for the day or if you were offices, floors or even Divisions apart from him working on another aspect of the Kroger business.
Don remembered everyone by name; He always smiled and said hello as if you sat next to him every day.
What a very special silent giant.
You will be dearly and greatly missed by all.
Joan Fackey (Kroger 1972- 1992)
February 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 18, 2011
Mrs. Becker,
Mr. Becker was a magnificent man and he blessed my life tremendously. I pray God's awesomeness on you and your family.
Barb (West Chester)
Edward McIlwaine
February 18, 2011
About 30 years ago I first met Don - and Lynn & Mackenzie - & far beyond business - we shared countless memories which I treasure today. Golf games all over where we laughed, we shared, we enjoyed - times when we had little cash - starting our families & careers - and lived life to the max. Few people I have EVER known lived with uncompromising “integrity and honesty” - a passion for everything he ever did - and for his friends he was always there to help in any way. ALL who knew Don Becker will remember him forever. To Lynn and the family - your sadness is shared.
February 18, 2011
Lynn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Know you are surrounded by many friends and family!
With love,
Mary Fogel
Joe Berninger
February 18, 2011
Lynn, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will never forget the support you and Don provided for our charity work in Guatemala and our three Mesh events. Don had a huge heart and was a very special person. He inspired us all. Joe Berninger, Coop. for Education.
Linda Victoria
February 18, 2011
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Victoria- Procter & Gamble Retiree
February 18, 2011
Lynn, it was a sad day when Jean & I heard of the passing of Don. He was not only a good boss, but was a great friend. Being of the Kroger family he will be missed greatly. Jean and I have moved to Atlanta Georgia, this last year and while talking to the store manage the word had come thru of Don, so he had friends all over this world. Great man.
Love, Jean & Bob Keiser
Andrew Hargis
February 18, 2011
Lynn,
I am so sorry to learn of Mr Becker's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with Don, his family and friends. Don was beloved my everyone at Kroger and in the grocery industry, and his legacy will continue to drive us to new heights. Let's be strong and celebrate Don's life and his overwhelming impact.
JACK BERTAGNA
February 18, 2011
DON AND I CAME UP THRU THE RANKS IN THE CINCINNATI KMA. DON WAS A ZONE MGR AND I WAS THE PRODUCE MERCHANDISER. WE BOTH LEARNED THE RETAIL BUSINESS FROM THE "THE CHIEF" MR.SAFFRON.
DON WAS ALWAYS A TEAM PLAYER, AND WAS ALWAYS THERE TO SUPPORT ME AND OUR DEPARTMENT.KROGERLAND HAS LOST TWO REALLY GOOD EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE THIS WEEK.
JACK B.
Mark & Kimberly Baumann
February 18, 2011
Lynn,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in our every thought and prayer.
Mike & Minnie Clements
February 18, 2011
Lynn and family we were very sorry to learn of Don's death. Please know that you all are in our prayers. Mike & Minnie Clements
Jeff Rotsch
February 17, 2011
Don was a great person and true leader of the grocery industry. He led Kroger through some very difficult times and brought the entire company to a whole new level. His influence was throughout the entire food chain from consumer to customer to supplier. He will be greatly missed. I will personally miss a friend who shared my sense of humor that made even tough issues palatable. Thanks for all your leadership and support. You were a giant!!
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