Robert Leon Becton

Robert Leon Becton

Vero Beach, FL

Robert Leon Becton, 81, died February 15, 2017 in Vero Beach, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Emily Smith; three children, Deborah Becton of Melbourne, Florida, Melanie Cranshaw (Bill) of Simsbury, Connecticut, and Bryan Becton of Tampa, Florida; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Leon O. and Agnes L. Becton of Orlando, Florida.

Bob was born and raised in Orlando. He was an Eagle Scout, and was an active member of the first graduating class of Boone High School. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1957 with a degree in Business Administration. At UF, he was the president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and was an ROTC Distinguished Military Student, graduating as a Second Lieutenant. Bob was a very patriotic man, and was extremely proud to have his grandson Robert serving in the Army. He also remained an enthusiastic lifelong Gator, and was thrilled his son Bryan became a Florida Gator.

Bob began his career with Proctor & Gamble, and eventually started his own Food Brokerage company in the Baltimore/Washington area. After selling his business, he and Emily moved to Vero Beach in 1985. He served on the Indian River Shores Planning, Zoning, and Variance Board for 8 years. He was active in community associations and in the Methodist Church.

Bob and Emily enjoyed an active life, playing tennis and golf, and hiking and mountain biking in Idaho. They spent many happy summers in Cashiers, North Carolina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Vero Beach, 1750 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL, 32960; or the Visiting Nurse Association, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL, 32960. A graveside inurnment will be held on a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.