Chauncey Karl Becker

Reflecting on the life of Chauncey Becker, words such as faithful, friendly, and compassionate come to mind. He lived his life selflessly putting others first. Chauncey was a lover of all people. He leaves behind a rich legacy of living each day to the fullest and not spending a single day with regret. Taken too soon, his positive outlook will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Chauncey’s story begins in the year of 1983. Swatch watches, Cabbage Patch dolls, and the Atari 5200 were collecting in homes across the nation. The Space Shuttle Challenger launched on its maiden flight, the final episode of M*A*S*H* was aired, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi opened in theaters. Fraggle Rock made its debut on HBO, while the music of Michael Jackson and David Bowie gained in popularity. With Microsoft Word being released and the Internet boom soon to be born, James Ray and Leila “Lee” Marie (nee Herber) Becker welcomed home their newborn baby boy, Chauncey on May 15th in Chersterfield, Indiana. As a first born, he brought much joy and happiness into their home and later was joined by his siblings; Jack and Rachel.

Growing up primarily in the small town of Chesterfield, Chauncey was an active child. His dad, Jim was a teacher and football coach and his mother, Lee had various jobs. As early as the age of three, he loved to ride his Big Wheel and race his friends up and down the driveway. He could spend hours playing Legos and loved each and every moment outdoors as a kid. Known to have a laugh that never seemed to end, his siblings loved to get him going during family game nights where he’d bellow out his signature laugh that made their own bellies ache from laughing right along with him! Maturing into his teenage years, Chauncey participated in track and field in high school. He enjoyed both shot put and the discus throw. An avid reader, he mostly enjoyed reading about the history of religion or the saints. As a family, they took several trips to Kings Island and Cedar Point making memories. They also treasured their visits with extended family including many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was especially close to his grandparents Roger and Marlene Pier and spent many quality days with them during his young adolescence. Serving as an altar boy at St. Mary’s Catholic church had many highlights during those years. Once, he tripped while carrying the heavy Easter Vigil candle! Another Easter year, he served a memorable mass when the fire department was called to put out the large flames caused by the Easter fire! There was a never dull moment during Chauncey’s growing years.

During high school, NJROTC was a personal passion of his leading him to become commander his senior year in high school and later enlisting with the National Guard from 2001-2008. During his time serving, he became a commander. With a sharp set of military skills and self-discipline, he later joined the United States Army. Proudly serving his country, he completed a one-year tour in Iraq starting in June of 2005 and ending the following June of 2006. With a strong desire to complete his education, Chauncey graduated with the Class of 2013 from Western Governors University. Sadly, within a year of his graduation, his dad passed away on November 23, 2014. This was a deep loss in his life as he was close to his dad and even followed in his footsteps by becoming a teacher and following football.

Chauncey had many special interests over the years. Although he wasn’t a huge fan of any particular sports teams, he loved the sport of football. Enjoying many games over the years gave him social time with friends and family and something to talk about the next morning at work with his high school students. When he wasn’t busy prepping math lessons for his students or serving in various activities with his church, he continued his love of reading. Described as loving, very particular about things, and intense at times, his family and special friends will deeply miss his infectious belly laugh and jovial spirit!

Chauncey Karl Becker, 33, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the St. Vincent Heart Center in Indianapolis. Chauncey loved God, his family, church, and job at Anderson High School, where he taught Algebra I & II.

He will be sadly missed by his mother, Leila (Jim Hertel) Becker, of Antwerp, Ohio; siblings; Jack (Hannah Hartman) of Indianapolis & Rachel of Antwerp; grandparents, Roger & Marlene Pier of Antwerp. He was preceded in death by his father, James.

Viewing is 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 22nd at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River St., Antwerp, Ohio His funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 22nd at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Antwerp. He will be laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery, with military honors. Memorials are for masses. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com