Frank Joe Becker

Frank Joe Becker, age 82,passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at home in Lawrence, KS. Frank was born January 23, 1936 near Olpe, KS, the son of Frank X. and Hattie F. (Nathe) Becker. He married Barbara Ann Brinkman on June 4, 1960 in Olpe, KS. She survives of the home.

Survivors also include his daughters, Paula Trent (Tempe, AZ), Connie Grismer (Chandler, AZ), Ann Logan and husband, Liam ( Denver, CO); and his son, Frank X Becker II and wife, Kelly (Steamboat Springs, CO). Surviving grandchildren include Courtney, Carly and Caroline Trent; Parker Grismer; Katie, Conor and Sean Logan; and Frank J. II, Jack, Anna, Audrey, and Brynn Becker. Surviving sisters include Betty Timmerman (Albuquerque, NM), Marge Jehle and husband, Fred (Lawrence), and sister-in-law, Jennie Becker (Wichita). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Becker.

Funeral services for Frank will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 3 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. Reception to follow in the fellowship hall with inurnment to follow at 2 p.m. at Pioneer Cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with a visitation to follow until 4 p.m.

Frank graduated in 1958 from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Over the years after graduation, he served the University as a Board Member and Chairman of the Greater University Fund; Board Member and President of the Kansas University Alumni Association; Trustee, Chair of Finance Commitee and Chairman of the Kansas University Endowment Association; Chairman of the Chancellor Search Commitee in 1994; and Member and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the School of Engineering. Awards received from the University were the Fred Ellsworth Award in 1988; the Distinguished Engineering Service Award in 1991; and the Distinguished Service Citation in 1996.

In addition to his service to the University, Frank also served St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at KU by providing leadership, advocacy and support from the beginning. First became involved by supporting the campaign to build the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in the early 80s. He served as a Campaign Trustee for Campaign St. Lawrence. Frank served as an advisor and mentor to build the development program to engage alumni, parents and friends of St. Lawrence helping the Catholic faith to have a strong presence at his alma mater. He was instrumental in founding and establishing the St. Lawrence Center Foundation and served as its President for the first six years. Frank provided insight and guidance in developing investment policies and guidelines, and Catholic socially responsible investing that maximized return to benefit the Center. His approach was used as a template for the Lawrence Catholic Schools Foundation which eventually became the Corpus Christi Education Endowment.

Frank’s work career was as owner, CEO, President and Chairman of Becker Corporation and the First National Bank & Trust Co., of El Dorado, KS. His later investments were under Becker Investments, Inc. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Westar Energy, Inc., Topeka, KS, OTR Express, Olathe, KS, KG&E, Wichita, KS, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Co. of KS, Bank IV Butler County, N.A. ElDorado, KS, Douglas County Bank, Lawrence, KS, IMA Insurance, Wichita and, Eby Construction, Wichita.

Business relationships include President and Board Member, Kansas Motor Carriers Association; Alternate State President and Director for American Trucking Association; Board Member, National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc; Board Member and President of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce; Board Member of the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce; and Board Member, President, Chairman of Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Frank also served as Commanding General of the Kansas Cavalry, Member and Chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, State of Kansas, Board Member and Co-Chairman of Kansas, Inc, Member and Chairman of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Board Member and Presiden of Butler County Community College Endowment and Board of Trustees of Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital, ElDorado, KS.

Frank was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and a founding member of their Knights of Columbus. Frank served the Catholic Community as a member of the Finance Team of the Archdicoese of Kansas City in Kansas, Chair of the Futures Team of Corpus Christi, Founding Chair of the Corpus Christi Education Endowment and as Leadership for two Capital Campaigns. He was a receipient with his wife of the 2014 Dorothy Flannery Honor for their stewardship and guidance with Corpus Christi School.

Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to Kansas University Endowment Association for the Frank J. Becker Scholarship Fund, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association or Corpus Christi Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com .