Raymond W. Becker

Raymond W. Becker, 87, of Pekin passed away at 10:15 pm Monday, November 9, 2009 at Pekin Hospital. Ray was born on April 25, 1922 in Tazewell County to John and Stella (Hampton) Becker.He married Sharon Spaits on April 9, 1950 in Pekin, Illinois. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Alvin, George, Kenneth and Gene; one sister, Viola Schlottman; and one grandson, Jacob Ufheil. Surviving are his wife, Sharon; one daughter, Shari (Steve) Ufheil of Germantown Hills, IL; twin-brother, Melvin (Lois) Becker of Pekin; and grandchildren Justin, Noah, Elizabeth and Luke Ufheil; many nieces and nephews. Ray was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and has served as an usher and trustee.He enjoyed gardening, woodworking,fishing and loved spending time with his grandchildren and family.He attended ICC for three years and Bradley University for three years. Ray was a WWII Navy veteran, having served as a naval submariner on the Skip Jack and Dolphin submarines in the Pacific and Sea of Japan. He was honorably discharged as a Motor Machinist Mate second class on October 20, 1945. Ray retained memberships in the Amvets Post #169, American Legion Post #44, Moose Lodge 916, Pekin Eagles Lodge # 1869, US Submarine Veterans of World War II and Powerton Playboys. He was a former member of the Pekin Elks. He retired from Commonwealth Edison in May 1984, having worked as a quality control inspector for 40 years.