Rev.Gary Becker Obituary (1946

BECKER - Reverend Dr. Gary Eugene of West Seneca, NY, Age 66, entered into the Presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at his home. He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Karen (nee Coppell); loving children Greta (Paul) Brokaw, Lisa (Mark) Kalinowski, Daniel (Patty Meza) Becker, and Sarah Becker; his beloved grandchildren Justin and Joey Brokaw; Andrew, Emma, Samantha, and Max Kalinowski; Daniel, Jr. and Jacob Becker; and Jay Jay and Jason Marin. Gary is also survived by his dear sister Nancy (Jim) Heaton of Ohio, sister-in-law Denise (Rick) Gigante of Minnesota, and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Eugene and Marian Becker. Gary was a preacher, teacher, and pastor, and a father and mentor to many. Born and raised in South Buffalo, he graduated from South Park High School and then from Buffalo State Teachers College. During his college years, he worked in the mailroom at both The Buffalo News and the former Courier Express. He married the love of his life, Karen Ann Coppell, in 1968. He earned a Masters Degree from Canisius College and his Doctorate in Ministry from Bethany Theological Seminary in Dothan, AL. A devoted father of four, he taught in the Buffalo Public Schools for more than 30 years, first at his alma mater, South Park High School, and then at Schools 29, 26, and 27, Southside Elementary, and finally at Grover Cleveland High School, where he was known to students as "Dr. Becker". Gary also served as a U.S. Customs Inspector during the summer season at the Peace Bridge for more than 13 years. Gary was ordained at the First Baptist Church of West Seneca in 1981. He served on the Board of Directors of the Buffalo City Mission for 17 years, and also served as the Executive Director of Child Evangelism Fellowship for 3 years. He preached at more than 65 churches in his early ministry, and then pastored the First Christian Church of Machias, NY for 28 years. Always larger than life, Gary loved to sing, loved the Yankees, and was an avid student of history, and in particular, the Kennedy assassination. He was a devoted husband, dad, and grandpa, but more than anything, he loved preaching and serving the Lord. He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice that he is home in heaven, and our goodbye is temporary. A memorial service celebrating Gary's home-going will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Life Church, 4928 Seneca Street in West Seneca. Flowers are gratefully declined by the family.