Phillip Becker

Phillip F Becker, 87, of Tarpley, passed away on October 25, 2018, in Tarpley at his home. He was born in San Antonio to Fred & Ada Becker on March 21, 1931.He married Ruth Ellis on May 18, 1950. She preceded him in passing in October 2011. He married Mary Sowards on October 1, 2016.\r\n\r\nPhil is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, his daughter Kathy, his brother Garland and many good friends.\r\n\r\nHe is survived by his wife Mary, son Johnny, daughter Diann & Don Phillips, and daughter Joey & Stan Rossow. His grandchildren are Phillip & Allison Becker, Glenn & Ann Becker, Summer Becker-Compton, Susie Lewis, Melinda & Scott Culak, Nicole & Jason Rasor, Jessica & Doug Hendrick, Dinias& Wendy Phillips. He was blessed with 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. He is survived by the ones who have known him the longest, his younger Brother Douglas Becker, Sister Dorothy Ellis, and Sister-in-law Geraldine Ellis.\r\n\r\nAs a youth raised during the depression, Phil was a Boy Scout and Order of the Arrow Vigil member. While attending Brackenridge High School in Jr ROTC, he tried to enlist to join the war effort but his mother would not sign the fake birth certificate that raised his age two years. He attended Texas University for a year studying architecture, he worked full time to support himself while competing on the freshman track team, but he really just wanted to go home and marry his fiancé Ruth. Phil's desire was to enter law enforcement; while he was waiting on acceptance he used his mechanical skills working for an underground constructions company fixing equipment. In a short time, he became a foreman, then a superintendent running crews working on jobs scattered around central and south Texas. In the mid sixties he started his own company, then in the early 80's he mentored a group of employees to form a company which bought his assets and retired from daily underground construction in 1995. \r\n\r\nPhil believed in giving back to the industry that supported his family. He became involved in improving construction safety, working conditions, business practices and funding through membership and leadership in construction organizations. He was active in AGC for twenty years, serving as Texas President in 1986 and National MU chairman in 1995.\r\n\r\nThe organization which mirrored Phil's philanthropy and overriding desire to serve others is the Masonic lodge. He received his degrees in Community Lodge #1201. In 1965 he affiliated with Bandera Lodge #1123. He is a Past Worshipful Master Bandera Lodge #1123 and District Deputy in 1982. Ruth and Phil were Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of Bandera Chapter No. 643, Order of the Eastern Star. Many great friends with the passion to serve others he met in lodge and served with for decades. \r\n\r\nOne of Phil's passions was aviation. During the seventies and eighties, he flew a series of helicopters, using them to help others. He truly enjoyed flying and using his skills. He later flew a powered parachute.\r\n\r\nPhil joined an Airstream club in the mid-nineties. He and Ruth made multiple trips every year enjoying the comradery of the traveling in comfort lifestyle, acquiring friends and memories. He and Mary took up the lifestyle and made several trips enjoying and extending the friendships.\r\n\r\nPhil loved the outdoors. Hunting was a lifelong passion. In the fifties it was a means to put meat on the table; fresh venison was served year-round. Through hunting he met many of his best lifelong friends. Many of them have passed before him. Phil's home for almost fifty years was the piece of land near Tarpley he loved and maintained in trust for the ensuing generations.\r\n\r\nPhil's clubs, organizations, well-earned awards, and honors are numerous. He was well recognized as being a great man, mentor and example for others. He did not care for the accolades. He was a humble person with humility at the heart of his strong character.\r\n\r\nNo one will ever know how many people, families, widows, and companies he helped. Phil worked quietly behind the scenes to make things happen. He did not want credit. He wanted to help foster improvements. Phil knew God throughout his life. He has now joined the many shining lights he loved as his journey continues.\r\n\r\nVisitation Monday, October 29, 2018 (5:00pm - 7:00pm), Grimes Funeral Chapels, 1214 Mulberry, Bandera, TX 78003\r\n\r\nFuneral service Tuesday, October 30, 2018 (1:00pm) with reception immediately following at Tarpley Baptist Church 141 Valentine Lane, Tarpley, TX 78883 , followed by a Graveside service (2:00pm) Tarpley Cemetery\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, donations are welcome: Masonic Home and School of Texas, Tarpley Volunteer Fire Department.\r\n