March 9, 1938 — Jan. 27, 2014

Ernest Junior Becker, 75, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2014, at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, MS. He was born on March 9, 1938, in Ithaca, Mich. to Orville and Maxine (Gallant) Becker.

Ernie grew up in Ithaca, Mich. and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1956. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1956 and served for 4 years, then attended Michigan State University, graduating with a Bachelor Science degree in 1962. He also earned two masters degrees and a specialist’s degree while attending Central Michigan University and Michigan State University. He served as a teacher and coach at the high school level for 34 years, including a year as an assistant football coach at Central Michigan University. A great motivator along with being a man of highest integrity; his passion was to excel in all aspects pertaining to his life.

Ernie married Joan Frances Forsman in 1959 in Pascagoula, Miss. and they were happily married for 54 years. They lived in Michigan through 1993 and retired to Pascagoula in 1994. While in Pascagoula, Ernie was a teacher, coach, and operated snack food distribution and lawn care businesses. Ernie was a member of Oasis Church.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Maxine Becker. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Joan of Pascagoula, Miss.; his sons Stephen (Vanessa) of Pascagoula, MS, David (Rhonda) of Dallas, Texas, James (Danyiel) of Ubly, Mich., and Jared (Jill) of Pascagoula, MS; his sister’s Linda (Sam) Maxwell of Ithaca, Mich., Shirley Burgtorf of Ithaca, Mich., and his brother John (Vicki) of Perrinton, Mich.; his grandchildren Keane, Blair, Brett, Kendra, Mark, Kameron, Kristina, Andrew, Josh, and Audrey; his great-grandchildren Chloe, Evan, Emily, Joshua, Brayden, Noah, Gabrielle, and Brooklyn; and his nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A Funeral service will be held at Oasis Church, 4007 N. Pascagoula St. at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. A visitation will be held at Oasis Church at 1-3pm, Jan. 31,2014. Entombment will follow at Machpelah Cemetery. Holder-Wells Funeral Home Directing 228-475-2112. Visit our online guest book at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com.