Obituary of John M. Becker

John M. Becker, 77, of Manheim, PA, entered into rest in the presence of the Lord Jesus on Monday evening, April 8, 2013 at his home of natural causes. Born in Brownstown, Lancaster County, he was the son of the late John P. and Anna K. Good Becker. He was the husband of Mary A. Gutelius Becker for 56 years last October 20. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and brother, a friend to many, and a Christian man, living a Christian life. Mr. Becker was a member of East Fairview Church of the Brethren in Manheim. Early in his adulthood, he served with Brethren Volunteer Service at Lybrook Indian Reservation in New Mexico and Catonsville (MD) State Hospital. He started his career by working for Four Seasons, Inc. as a produce buyer and launched his produce business with a roadside stand along Route 72 south of Manheim. He eventually bought Isaac Martin's business and began selling eggs, poultry, and produce to customers in their Harrisburg homes. Mr. Becker also owned JMB Produce at the Shillington Market and The Produce Patch at Donecker's Market in Ephrata and Morningstar Market in York, where he was well-known for his tasty celery hearts. He was last employed as manager at Weaverland Produce Auction until his retirement. In addition to flower gardening, camping, and solving jigsaw puzzles, he enjoyed fishing with his son and grandsons in the Hammersley Fork Creek in Potter County. He also enjoyed playing pinochle and other card games with friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Susanne E., wife of Kevin S. Geib, of Milford, DE, Kevin E., husband of Angela M. Piro Becker, of Wrightsville, PA, and Sandra J. Becker of Manheim; three grandsons, Kristafer Becker, Kyle Becker, and Brandon Keath; three great grandchildren,; and three siblings, Esther, wife of Ira Groff, of Lancaster, PA, Christian, husband of Arlene Becker, of Elizabethtown, PA, and Robert Becker of Denver, PA; a brother-in-law, Clyde Burkholder of Mountville, PA; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Becker of Phildaephia. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Becker, and a sister, Anna Ruth Burkholder. A funeral service will be held on Friday morning, April 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM at East Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1187 Fairview Road, Manheim, PA 17545 with Pastor Jimm Roland officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive guests at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. The family requests that flowers please be omitted. If desired, contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund of the church. A webcast of the service will be available beginning the day following the service at www.spencefuneralservices.com.