Father Robert T. Becker, 83, of Springfield, passed away on Feb. 3 at St. John's Hospice.
Father Becker was born on June 6, 1932 in Springfield, the son of Henry George "Heine" and Marietta Vivian "Babe" Davis Becker.
He graduated from Ss. Peter and Paul Grade School, Cathedral Boys High School, and later attended Springfield Junior College before enlisting in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
Father Becker attended St. John's Seminary in Little Rock, Ark., and was ordained by Bishop William A. O'Connor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on May 23, 1964.
His assignments included: assistant, Ss. Peter and Paul, Collinsville; assistant and administrator, Assumption of B.V.M., Litchfield; administrator, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bethalto, Mother of Perpetual Help, Maryville, and Holy Ghost, Jerseyville; assistant, St. Maurice, Morrisonville, St. Patrick, Springfield, St. Margaret Mary, Granite City, St. Agnes, Springfield; administrator, Holy Ghost, Jerseyville; pastor, Visitation B.V.M., Illiopolis, St. Ann, Niantic, St. Michael, Greenfield and St. Catherine, Hagaman; chaplain, Sacred Heart Academy (later Sacred Heart-Griffin High School), Ursuline Academy, Springfield College in Illinois, Springfield; parochial vicar, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield; pastor, Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, Mt. Zion. His final assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Agnes, Springfield, where he served from 1996 until he retired in 2004. He had most recently resided at St. Joseph's Home in Springfield.
He was a strong supporter of the Sacred Heart-Griffin High School sports program, Notre Dame football, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Louann Pittman.
He is survived by four siblings, Henry George "Bud" (wife, Kaye) Becker Jr. of North Olmsted, Ohio, William D. (wife, Karen) Becker, J. Barry (wife, Patricia) Becker, and Lynne M. (husband, Court) Dickason, all of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A concelebrated funeral Mass was held on Feb. 6 at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
A private family burial was held in Calvary Cemetery.
The family of Father Robert T. Becker was served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, Springfield.