Robert W. Becker

He was born December 11, 1921 in Springfield, the son of Carl Harvey and Matilda May (Hulcher) Becker. He married Carolyn “Callie” Rennick in 1945, to whom he was married for 67 years at the time of her passing in 2012.

Bob started learning piano at age 5 and played in various music groups during high school, including the Charles Rodgers Orchestra. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1939, studied Mechanical Engineering at Springfield Junior College, architecture at Bradley Polytechnic Institute, and received a Bachelor in Music from Northwestern University.

He enlisted in the navy during World War II, completing midshipman's school at Columbia University in 1943. Lt. Becker served aboard the USS St. Mary and USS Clyde in the South Pacific. Upon returning to civilian life in 1946, he set up a music studio in Chicago where he taught piano lessons, worked for a music publisher, and played in several Chicago orchestras.

Bob moved back to Springfield and began working at the Springfield Mattress Company. He spent the next 32 years there, eventually becoming president and co-owner of the company, while continuing to play piano. He performed in the early days of television on many of the WICS variety shows and played in many local dance bands and orchestras including those led by Steve Walko and Paul Termine. He was often called on to play piano for shows at Sangamon Auditorium and other venues, working with such performers as Skitch Henderson, Anita Bryant, and Red Skelton.

When he retired from the bedding business in 1984, Bob resumed giving piano lessons, and continued teaching and performing for the next 31 years. Even during his later years, he was regularly performing at the Sangamo Club. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed studying history and architecture, researching genealogy, and maintaining the house that he designed and lived in until his passing. This house has often been praised for its aesthetics and innovative design.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his only brother, Carl Herbert Becker. He is survived by two sons, Robert Stephen Becker of Mendon, IL and Scott Becker of Standish, ME; two daughters, Sharon Marshall of Ventura, CA and Sheila Becker of Springfield; five grandchildren, Angela (husband Tracy) Durkin Rowland, Thomas Becker, Matthew Foster, Ashley Marshall, and Jane Becker; four great-grandchildren, Justin Foster, Alexis Becker, Casey Rowland, Aiden Foster; two nieces Aimee Lanphere, and Martha Hirsch; and one nephew, John Becker.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2016 at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Rev. Josh Sabo officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, 501 S. 4th Street, Springfield, IL 62701.