Henry A. Becker, 87, of Centralia, Kansas, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000, at the Onaga Community Hospital. He was transferred there from the Eastridge care home in Centralia where he had been a resident since May 1999. Previously, he had been a resident at Golden Acres care home in Onaga since December 1997.

He was born January 6, 1913, on a farm southwest of Centralia, the son of Howard and Katherine Stegeman Becker. He attended the College Hill District #81 School. Henry helped on the family farm and farmed for others in the area.

On January 8, 1936, he married Cordula B. Koelzer at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. She survives of the home.They lived and farmed the Becker homestead at “Four Corners,” southwest of Centralia. After their home burned in 1938, they moved to the Dave Donahue farm south of Centralia where they have lived for many years. Henry farmed and raisedd cattle and hogs until he semi-retired due to health problems in 1990. They celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Corning and a former member of St. Patrick’s Church at Coal Creek, until the church was closed in 1971. He enjoyed raising a large garden each year and sharing items with family and friends.

Survivors besides his wife are five sons, Leon Becker, Clem Becker, and Daniel Becker, all of Centralia, Roger Becker of Corning, Clayton Becker of St. Joseph, Missouri; a daughter, Theresa Alverson of Centralia; a brother, Edward Becker of Topeka; three sisters, Mary Meyer of Centralia, Luella Freel of Topeka, and Rose Ida Bergman of Onaga; 29 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial was offered Saturday, May 27, at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. Burial was in Coal Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given for Coal Creek Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.