John J. Becker, 81

John J. Becker III of Kingston died March 10, 2004 in Lakewood. He was 81.

Becker was born to John J. and Elizabeth (Dellahey) Becker in Camden, N.J. on May 29, 1922.

He married his first wife Catherine Fry on Aug. 28, 1942 in Seattle. She preceeded him in death in 1990.

He married his second wife Marion Wagner on Jan. 28, 2004 in Poulsbo.

Becker served in the U.S. Army in the medical corp from 1939-1961, serving in World War II and Korea. His final assisgnment was at Fort Lewis at Madigan Hospital.

He received seven purple hearts and four bronze stars and achieved the rank of master sergeant.

After his military duty, Becker worked for Sears, Roebuck in Bellevue until his retirement in 1975.

The Beckers made their retirement home in Kingston.

Becker was a 60-year member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving as 4992 Post Commander, District No. 4 commander and in many other positions.

He was also commander of the Purple Heart Post #324 and helped found the Alliance of American Veterans, which raised money for VA hospitals and nursing homes in Washington and Arizona, serving as president for five years. He was a service officer for the Soldiers and Sailors Indigent Fund and also served as president of the Kingston Cemetery Association.

Becker is survived by his wife Marion; sons John J. (Janice) Becker of Bellevue, Steven (Debbie) Becker of Bothell and Gorden Becker of Kirkland; daughter Sharlene Loy of Tacoma; brother Frank (Minnie) Becker of Camden, N.J.; sister Marie Edwards of Deptford, N.J.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Catherine and parents John J. and Elizabeth (Dellahey) Becker.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. March 27 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 239, 190 S. Dora, in Bremerton.

Memorial gifts may be sent to North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 41, Kingston, WA 98346 or to Madigan Army Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 97215, Lakewood, WA 98497 or to the VFW Department of Washington.