“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” – the things God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV)
Alton Lincoln Becker (Buster) was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 4, 2020, at the age of ninety-four (94) years. He was born to Ottmar J. and Gertrude M. (Hartung) Becker on February 12, 1926, in Uhland, Texas. He attended schools in Uhland and Kyle while growing up. Alton was also a proud veteran, who served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He was employed as an electrician for thirty years at Randolph AFB in San Antonio before his retirement. As a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church in San Marcos, Alton was one of the primary people responsible for the construction of the church building, which opened in 1957. He was a devoted member of this church until his death and served on the Board of Trustees and as Church Treasurer for many years. His life of service also included helping to distribute food for the Food Bank and serving as a volunteer fireman. (There were many nights that the fire alarm would sound off in the middle of the night. He would get up, put on his boots, spend the whole night fighting a fire, and then leave at 5:30 a.m. for a day of work at Randolph AFB.) He was a tireless and devoted servant to those who needed help.
Alton married Tommye Dodds of Coleman County on September 11, 1946, and would have celebrated seventy-four (74) years of marriage with her next month. He spent these years raising a family of three children (Glenna, Gary, and Kathy) in San Marcos, Texas. Alton was an avid fisherman, who was well-known for catching fish when no one else could. He spent time fishing and camping with his family at Canyon Lake. He and Tommye also spent many weekends after their retirement attending country music shows in Yoakum, Lockhart, Giddings, and other surrounding towns. For many years, they took an annual trip to Branson, MO, to enjoy the musical shows held there.
Alton went by many names – Alton, Al, Buster – but he was “Granddaddy” to his family. Even though he was a little “ornery” at times, he was steadfast in his love and devotion to family. He also spent many hours visiting friends and checking up on those people that might need some help. He loved watching sports of all kinds and was a fixture in the stands at Bobcat basketball games for many years. A visit with him always included a rehashing of all the games he had watched over the past week. He was also a great cook -- making the best potato salad ever! The whole family looked forward to his roast and potatoes after church on Sundays.
Alton is survived by many loving family members, including his wife, Tommye D. Becker of San Marcos, TX; his brother, Ronny Becker of San Antonio, TX; his children, Gary Becker (Priscella) of New Braunfels, TX, and Kathy Gilland of Kyle, TX; eight grandchildren, Shelley George (Joey) of Smithville, TX, Shannon Sumbling of San Marcos, TX, Corey Fohn of Geronimo, TX, Lance Becker (Sarah) of New Braunfels, TX, Tami Becker of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aaron, Jaime, and Taryn Gilland of Kyle, TX; eleven great-grandchildren, Ryan George of Smithville, TX, Matt George of Kyle, TX, and Danielle Prestage (Tyler) of Luling, TX, Caden, Alyssa, and Jake Williamson of Austin, TX, Jennifer Kolby Fohn of Kyle, TX, Kenley, Cade, and Kyle Becker of New Braunfels, TX, and Langley Gilland of Kyle, TX; and two great great-grandchildren, Xander Guajardo and Steele George, both of Kyle, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ottmar and Gertrude Becker; his brother, Gilbert Becker; his daughter, Glenna Fohn; and his daughter-in-law, Yvonne Becker.
The family is planning a memorial service to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alton’s name to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141, the Food Bank, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be submitted in his honor at the Pennington’s Funeral Home website.
Arrangements in care of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche St., San Marcos, Texas, 512-353-4311 – www.penningtonfuneralhome.com.
