Lawrence E Becker

Rev. Lawrence E. Becker, 86, of Evansville, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019 surrounded by his family at The Linda E. White Hospice House at Deaconess. He was born on December 2, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN to Anice Mildred and Arnold Becker and grew up on their family farm.

Upon graduating from high school, he served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War and then graduated from Elmhurst College in 1960. He attended Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri where he received a Master of Divinity in 1963. While attending Eden Theological Seminary, he met his wife Marilane Becker while she was attending Evangelical Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing.

Lawrence served pastorates for The United Church of Christ at St. James of Francisville, IN, Salem of Francisville, IN, St. John of Medaryville, IN, Zion of Shelbyville, IN and St. Mark for over 25 years in Evansville. He was a General Synod Delegate, and served on various committees for the UCC association and conferences.

He enjoyed music especially opera and classical, gardening, bowling, traveling, Friday night outings with their friends, exercising with his friends at The Easter Seals Rehabilitation Pool and spending time with his beloved family.

He was very active in the community as a member of The Philharmonic Chorus, American Legion, Picnic Boys, Franklin Bowling League and the Optimist Club where he served in various positions.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jackson Lawrence Palmer; sister Joan Spencer; mother and father Anice Mildred and Arnold Becker; and mother and father-in-law Norma and Erwin Heitman.

Lawrence is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilane (Heitman); daughters, Julia Becker of New York City, NY, Karen Eisha (Joseph) of Dyer, IN, Alison Palmer (Paul) of Fishers, IN; brothers, Kevin (Judy) Becker of Greenwood, IN, Noel (Barbara) Becker of Boggstown, IN and David (Sue) Becker of Indianapolis, IN; sister Sandra (Tom) Rash of Franklin, IN; three grandchildren Sara Grace Eisha, Joseph Eisha and Olivia Palmer

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2019 at Salem United Church of Christ-Heusler, 11325 E. Lower Mt. Vernon Rd., officiated by the Pastor Al Schmitz. Vanderburgh County Veterans Memorial Club will perform military rites at gravesite. Friends may visit Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel and also one hour before the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, 560 E. Diamond Avenue, Evansville, IN 4711 www.evansvillehabitat.org and United Caring Services P.O. Box 1071, Evansville, IN 47706 www.unitedcaringservices.org.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.