Joseph Louis Becker, 82, of rural Purcell, passed from this earth peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on July 2, 2020.  Joe was born in Axtell, KS on March 19, 1938 to Henry and Esther (McLaughlin) Becker, the sixth of 11 children.   When Joe was a small child the family moved to Purcell, KS.  Joe attended St Mary’s Catholic grade school and graduated from Everest High School in 1956.

After high school, Joe worked at Rockwell in Atchison. In 1958 he and brother, Myron enlisted in the Marine Corps together.  They attended basic training in San Diego, CA.  Joe was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for 2 years until his honorable discharge in 1961.  Upon returning home, he worked at Doniphan County Equipment in Troy.   He was married to Shirley Ashton on August 18, 1962.  They resided in Troy and shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Sheri, moved to the farm near Purcell where Joe farmed until his death.  Here they made their home and welcomed two sons, Steve and Andy.  They later divorced.

Joe loved his family dearly, had a broad infectious smile and was always up for a good prank.  He was quick to make friends and never knew a stranger.  If Joe labeled you with a nickname or gave you a hard time, you knew you were a favorite.  Some of his hobbies included demolition derby’s, tractor pulls and bowling, and attended many National Bowling Tournaments.  Joe was a sharp mechanic and enjoyed restoring his tractors.   He belonged to the Everest Jaycees and Knights of Columbus and was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Purcell, KS.

Joe is survived by his children Sheri (Darron) Wessel, Sabetha,  KS; Steve (Lisa) Becker of Hiawatha, KS; Andrew (Angie) Becker of Lancaster, KS,  11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren;  sister Frieda Stovall, Quapaw OK, and brothers Paul, John, Raymond, Myron, Bob and Tom.   He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother’s Emmett and Leo and sister Alice.

 Friends may call on Monday at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where a rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Monday evening. Following the rosary the family will greet friends at the Joe Becker Farm. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Purcell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com