Ervin Lee "Spudnik" Becker

In Memoriam: Ervin Lee “Spudnik” Becker

1939 ~ 2025

Ervin Lee “Spudnik” Becker, age 86, fell asleep in Jesus and entered eternal glory with God the Holy Trinity in Heaven on June 4, 2025. He was born in Shiner, Texas on February 27, 1939 to Perry and Annie (nee Eschberger) Becker. He was born again into God’s Kingdom through Holy Baptism on December 8, 1940 at Shiner United Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church by Rev. Richard Schuetze. Ervin later confirmed his Christian faith on April 6, 1952 at St. Peter’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Coupland, Texas after receiving instruction from Rev. Robert Mohr. His confirmation verse was 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your care upon God, for He careth for you.” Ervin was united in Holy Matrimony to Ruth Schroeder on September 24, 1960 at St. Peter’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Coupland with Rev. Dwayne Dollenger officiating. The Lord blessed their union with two children, Larry Wayne in 1962 and Paula Kay in 1968.

Ervin worked for 56 years at Elgin Butler Brick, where he received his nickname “Spudnik” and was beloved by his fellow employees. He also served in the Texas National Guard for 30 years and, along with Ruth, provided yard care to Grace Lutheran Church for more than 50 years.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dennis; a sister and a brother in infancy; his parents-in-law, Edgar and Velma Schroeder; his brother-in-law, Gilbert Kubicek; and by a great-grandson, Christian Ray Martinez.

Ervin is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth; his son, Larry (Vilma); his daughter, Paula (John Fowler); his sisters, Evelyn (Keith) Farnham, Lorene Wilhelm, Darlene (Johnny) Polasek, Linda Huf, and Cathi (Kirk) McKiver; his sisters-in-law, Nancy (Larry) Axelson and Lois Kubicek; his step-sister, Alice (Emil) Kasper; his grandchildren, Sarah (Chris) Martinez, Ashley Guerrero (Carlos Rodriguez), Adam Becker, and Chad (Sara) Keaton; his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Eli, Charlie Ann, Tiller, Colton, and Hayzen; his step-granddaughter, Nohemi Berrios (Manuel Ruiz); his step-great-grandchildren, Nathan, Kailani, and Crystal; and by many nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Monday, June 9th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Ervin's Life will be conducted at Grace Lutheran Church of Elgin, Tuesday, June 10th at 11:00 AM with Pastor Carl Roth presiding. Christian Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Elgin Cemetery. Serving with Grace as Pall Bearers are: Ethan Martinez, Eli Martinez, Carlos Rodriguez, Michael Welch, Jessie Poston, and Christopher Martinez.

Though we mourn because of Ervin’s death, we take comfort from the truth that he was saved for everlasting resurrected life by God’s grace, through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be glory forever!

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be sent, in Ervin’s Memory, to Grace Lutheran Church, 801 West 11th Street, Elgin, Texas 78621, or the charity of your choice.