Edward “Ed” Becker, 76, of Mt. Olive, died on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, peacefully with his family by his side.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, from 3 to 6 p.m. at St. John Paul II Catholic Parish Church, located at 705 E. Main St. in Mount Olive and again on Tuesday, June 24, from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at the City Cemetery and a luncheon will follow at St. John Paul II Catholic Parish Church Hall.
Born on Feb. 28, 1949, Mr. Becker was the youngest and only son of Maynard and Elizabeth (Betty) Potts Becker. He graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale in 1971.
After college, Mr. Becker returned to his beloved hometown to join his father and grandfather in the family funeral business. He was proud to carry on their legacy and had a true calling for comforting others during life’s hardest moments. His presence, compassion and professionalism brought peace and guidance to countless families in their time of need.
In 1979, Mr. Becker married the love of his life, Shelley. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, laughter and shared purpose. They raised four children, Tracey (Larry) Fuller, Holley (Doug) McFarland, Doug (Jenny) Becker and Betsey (Dustin) Hildenbrand. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to his ten grandchildren, Autumn (Collin) Schuricht, Madison Fuller, Jordan Fuller, Brody McFarland, Bo McFarland, Thea Becker, Holden Becker, Finley Becker, Oscar Hildenbrand and Everly Hildenbrand.
Mr. Becker poured his heart into the town he called home. He wasn’t just a resident of Mt. Olive—he was part of its fabric. Whether it was helping organize the Wacky Olympics, coaching little league, playing volleyball and playing “all-star” poley with his longtime partner Jr., Mr. Becker was always in the middle of the action, bringing people together. He proudly served as president of Turner Hall for 17 years and became the familiar voice behind the beloved annual Easter egg hunt. He celebrated every tradition, big or small and even managed to bowl a perfect 300 game—just one more story in a life full of them. He didn’t just participate—he made things happen and he made them special.
One of Mr. Becker’s greatest joys was traveling with his wife. Whether it was a train trip through the mountains, packing up for a family vacation, or heading to a music festival, he loved the adventure. He cherished the experiences, the laughter and the memories made along the way. Their journeys were filled with music, good food, shared stories and friends.
He was also deeply committed to public service and community involvement. Mr. Becker was a charter member of the Jaycees, an alderman and a longtime member of the Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department and ambulance service, serving over 20 years. He held memberships with the Knights of Columbus and his lifelong church. He also served as president of the City and Union Miners Cemetery boards and was a trustee of Chapman Cemetery.
Mr. Becker’s love for St. Louis sports—especially the Cardinals—was second to none. He had an encyclopedic memory for stats, loved a good sports debate and rarely missed a game. His family will always remember the passionate conversations, predictions and occasional frustrations about how the season was going—and how it should have gone.
Outside of sports, Mr. Becker had a lifelong passion for music. For 37 years, he co-hosted Songwriters Showcase a show on KDHX St. Louis public radio with one of his great friends, Larry Weir, and later another great friend, Steve St Cyr. Through that platform, he connected with a wide community of music lovers and passed his appreciation for music down to his children and grandchildren through concerts, shared playlists and unforgettable experiences.
Mr. Becker is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; mother-in-law, Judith Haller and father-in-law, Paul Haller; and in-laws, Kenneth Hinkley, Zeb Booth, Ion Hawkins and Connie Hawkins.
He is survived by his loving wife Shelley; children and grandchildren; two sisters, Judy (Becker) Hinkley and Jane Becker; sister-in-law, Donna (Haller) Booth; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.
Mr. Becker’s life was full of purpose, connection and love. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor, dedication and unwavering community spirit. His impact will be felt for generations and his memory will live on in every story, every laugh and every act of kindness inspired by the way he lived.
Memorials may be made to the Mount Olive Fire Department, FOCUS 5 and Turner Hall.
