Clarence A Becker

Clarence Augustine Becker, age 92, formerly of Maple Hollow Road, Duncansville, slept peacefully into the arms of God at the VA Medical Center on Friday, February 2, 2018.
He was born on May 13, 1925 in St. Boniface, Cambria County, the eldest son of the late Charles and Cecilia (Kruise) Becker. He married Eileen R. Steel at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona on January 17, 1948.

Surviving are two sons: Charles T. Becker and wife Carolyn, of Altoona, and Msgr. Michael A. Becker, of Altoona; two daughters: Mary Kay Parrish and husband Ted, of Duncansville, and Peggy Freyvogel and husband Peter, of Monroeville; 11 grandchildren: Julie Dodson (Tyke), Keith Becker, Sara Parrish, Todd Parrish (Julie), Joy Davis (Nick), Carl Parrish (Brianna), Cindy Freyvogel, Erin Ramirez (Gabe), Michael Freyvogel (Bess), Mary Ramirez (Philip) and Elizabeth Freyvogel; and 14 great-grandchildren. Clarence is also survived by two brothers: Walter, of Dysart, and Ralph (Irene) of New Germany.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Eileen; two sisters: Mary and Hilda; two brothers: William and Paul; Sandy Kowalczyk, a foster child; and great-grandchildren: Gabrielle Angelie Ramirez and Andrew Gabriel Parrish.

Upon graduation from Patton High School, he entered the Army Air Corp on Aug. 1, 1943. After training in basic and advanced radio school, he was deployed to India as a radio/navigator on C-46 Commando. During his tour, he flew 59 missions over "The Hump", the Himalaya Mountains, between India and China. For his service in the China-Burma-India theater of operations, Clarence was awarded the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster. He was injured in September 1945 and was hospitalized in-country until November 1945, returning to the States and was honorably discharged in February, 1946.

Following his military service, of which he was especially proud, he was employed by the United States Post Office until his retirement in 1983, and was an active member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. He also owned and operated a painting and decorating business. Following retirement, he remained active as a school bus driver, a funeral home attendant, and until 2007, a member of the tipstaff at the Blair County Courthouse.

Clarence and Eileen were founding members of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Duncansville, where he served on the Parish Council and in various liturgical ministries. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Star of the Sea Council, serving as treasurer for well over 25 years. He also enjoyed singing as a lifetime member with the Altoona Horseshoe Chorus. He and Eileen were board member for the Mattern House, a residence for mentally handicapped adults and were active members of the Serra Club of Altoona. His other church-related activities included prison ministry and an active involvement with Cursillo.

Clarence loved painting and carpentry, gardening and hunting. He was especially proud of the "Cottage", a summer home he built and where he enjoyed the company of family and friends, especially his greatgrandchildren. He and Eileen also enjoyed traveling.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm on Mon., Feb. 5, 2018 at the Liebegott-Brown Funeral Home, Inc., 1218 Fourth Avenue, Duncansville, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. Friends will also be received at St. Catherine of Siena Church at 9:30 a.m. on Tues., Feb. 6, prior to the Funeral Mass to be concelebrated at 11:00 a.m. by Msgr. Michael A. Becker and visiting clergy.

Committal, with Military Honors performed by the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard, will be at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Catherine of Siena Parish, P.O. Box 88, Duncansville, PA, 16635.

• Tuesday, February 6, 2018
  At 11:00AM
  

Visitation Hours

• Monday, February 5, 2018
  From 2:00-4:00PM & 6:00-8:00PM
  
  
• Monday, February 5, 2018
  From 9:30-11:00AM
  
  

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