Paul Joseph Becker, 93, of rural Purcell, Kansas, passed away in the company of his loved ones at his home on July 25, 2024.

He was born on August 24, 1930, in Baileyville, Kansas, the second son of 11 children of Henry and Esther (McLaughlin) Becker. In his early teen years, the family moved to Purcell, where Paul worked on the family farm and learned many organizational and leadership skills for his lifelong trade in agriculture.

At the onset of the Korean War, Paul joined the US Marine Corps where he engaged in combat on foreign soil, was promoted to sergeant, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was extremely proud of his country and of his service and maintained a lifelong kinship with many of his comrades.

On May 5, 1954, Paul married the love of his life, Mary Margaret Ruhlman, at St. Joseph- Catholic Church in Atchison, Kansas, and began a 70-year union that provided eight children, 27 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren. Paul was known by his family and friends as a stalwart and loving leader with the ability to set an example and expectation for life.

As a successful farmer, Paul took pride in a well-manicured farm and enjoyed working with his family and employees, where he had an unmatched skill at keeping everyone productive yet feeling a strong sense of accomplishment.

Paul was an 80-year member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Purcell and was strong in his faith and gracious with his time devoted to the church. He also belonged to many organizations, serving in American Legion Post #288 for 66 years, as a Grand Knight and 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus and as a member of the Huron volunteer fire department. He was a member of St Mary- Parish Council, where he promoted and obtained State and National Historic Society status for St. Mary's church. He also enjoyed competing in State and National Corn Husking contests for 26 years and won several events.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Emmett, Leo, and Joe; and his sisters Frieda and Alice. Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; his children, Kenny Becker, Bill (Mary) Becker, Linda (Jerry) Henry, Carol (Russell) Brown, Margaret (Tim) Blevins, Larry (Sandy) Becker, Teresa (Bill) Heimann, and Jim (Charla) Becker; his many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brothers, John, Myron, Raymond, Bob and Tom.

A rosary will be recited for family and friends at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas on Tuesday evening, July 30, 2024, at 6:30 pm followed by a visitation from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Purcell, at 10:00 am Wednesday July 31, 2024. Fr. Roopesh Govindu will be the officiant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may call the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary after 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. when we will move to the St. Leo's Catholic Church for the rosary and family visitation.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary's Cemetery Fund and may be sent in care of the Dishon Maple Chaney Mortuary, 909 Central Ave., Horton KS 66439. Online condolences may be sent to: www.dishon-maple-chaney.com.