Rev. Robert T. Becker

Rev. Robert T. Becker, 83, of Springfield, passed away at 10:25 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 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, Arkansas and was ordained on May 23, 1964. His assignments included: Assistant, Ss Peter and Paul, Collinsville (1964); Assistant and Administrator, Assumption of B.V.M., Litchfield (1967); Administrator, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bethalto, Mother of Perpetual Help, Maryville, and Holy Ghost, Jerseyville (1967); Assistant, St. Maurice, Morrisonville (1967), St. Patrick, Springfield (1968), St. Margaret Mary, Granite City (1970), St. Agnes, Springfield, (1974); Administrator, Holy Ghost, Jerseyville (1976); Pastor, Visitation B.V.M., Illiopolis and St. Ann, Niantic (1976), St. Michael, Greenfield and St. Catherine, Hagaman, (1981); Chaplain, Sacred Heart Academy, Ursuline Academy, Springfield College in Illinois, Springfield (1986); Chaplain, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, Springfield College in Illinois, Springfield (1988), Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield (1986); Pastor, Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, Mt. Zion (1991); Parochial Vicar, St. Agnes, Springfield (1996) , retiring in 2004. Father Bob 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, OH, 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. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 North Amos Ave., Springfield. Concelebrated Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Private family burial will be held.