Clifford Ivan Becker, Jr.

Clifford Ivan Becker, Jr. of Edwardsville, KS, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on December 30th, 2023, while visiting extended family in southern California. He is survived by his wife Kristine, his son Ivan, age 19, and daughter Ruby, age 12.

Cliff was born on January 17, 1961 in Oak Park, IL. His time was divided between the suburbs of Chicago and the 4th generation Becker family farm in Amboy, IL, where he fed cows, rode horses, watched pigs being born. He loved the farm, the great outdoors, fishing and hunting, and the closeness of the farming community. He loved to sit with his Uncle Melvin at Ziggy's Café in Sublette, telling jokes over doughnuts.

Cliff attended Oak Park River Forest high school while working part time at a veterinary clinic. He was active in Boy Scout Explorers and was a member of St. Giles Catholic Church. His time on the family farm cultivated a passion for agriculture, prompting Cliff to major in animal science at Western Illinois University.

Cliff turned that passion into a 39-year career. Cliff served as Executive Vice President at Farm Journal for over 10 years and held a 23-year position with Vance Publishing, where he served as Senior Vice-President and Publishing Director for their food360 Division. At the time of his passing, Cliff was serving as Vice President of New Campus Development for the American Royal. He was honored to be part of the Royal's 124-year history, and incredibly excited about contributing his own legacy to the future of the Royal.

Cliff was recognized with several industry awards, including the National Agri-Marketing Association's Career Achievement Award and the Livestock Publication Council's Distinguished Service Award. He was a nationally recognized speaker in the industry and served on several boards, including as Vice Chair of the Agriculture Advisory Board at Western Illinois University. His leadership there was instrumental in enhancing the School of Agriculture program, alumni involvement and current and future success of WIU students.

Cliff was predeceased by his parents, Clifford Ivan Becker Sr., who died December 30, 2010, and Patricia Ann Becker (nee O'Rourke), who died June 4, 2018. Beyond his wife and children, Cliff is survived by three siblings, John Becker of Washburn, IL, Kate Chomko of Napa, CA, and Justin Becker of Laguna Beach, CA. He leaves a wake of extended family, friends and colleagues heartbroken by his passing. He was a beloved uncle, cousin, mentor, and best friend to many.

Simply put, Cliff was one of the very best humans. He embraced each day and everyone he met with generosity, empathy, wisdom and a wicked sense of humor. He was passionate about the farm he purchased in Edwardsville, Kansas, the 25 head of cows he managed, and his horse Levi whom he got at 9 months old. Farm-to-table was literal for him, as he was passionate about the people that raise and grow our nation's food. He considered himself a foodie. It brought him great pleasure to have a fine dining meal at a new restaurant and discover a bottle of wine he'd never had before.

Most of all, Cliff was passionate about his family. He adored his siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. He nearly burst with pride when speaking about his wife and children.

To know Cliff was to love him. No matter how busy, he would always find time to call an old friend or welcome you onto the farm for the weekend, cook you beef and pork on his Traeger, show you his horses, or celebrate someone else's achievements. He loved to tease. His laugh was infectious. He lit up every room he walked into. The loss of his energy and spirit is a hole for all who knew Cliff. We are fortunate to have had him as long as we did.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, 2-4 pm at American Royal, 1701 American Royal Court, Kansas City, MO, 64102. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Cliff Becker Memorial Fund at Western Illinois University. This fund will be used to benefit the WIU School of Agriculture, honor Cliff's legacy and continue to support the University and program he loved so much, now and into the future.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/14693/donations/new?designation=cliffbeckermemorialfund&