Randy Bruce Becker, of Bulverde, Texas, was born October 15, 1953 to Don and Donna Becker in Gallipolis, Ohio. Raised by his paternal grandparents Delbert and Theresa Becker, Randy grew up and was educated in Middleport, Ohio.
Randy was passionate about education and received a BA in Economics and a Masters in Health Care Administration. Randy joined the Air Force following high school graduation in 1971, which culminated with his retirement as a decorated Major twenty years later. Highlights of Randy’s military career included two tours of duty in Vietnam and one in Desert Storm. Additional active duty assignments were with the United States Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal; Instructor for the Air Force Institute of Technology; Officer Training School; commissioning and an elevated top secret clearance in Operations and Plans, as well as Honor Guard; and finally his Masters in Healthcare Administration, earning his specialty as a Medical Service Corp Officer.
After the military, Randy’s career path led him into several remarkable areas where he was able to make positive impacts. Randy spent several years commuting from San Antonio to Hawaii Pacific Air Force. He worked for Kinetic Concepts in San Antonio where he was able to assist in the development and marketing of medical beds and products including the Plexi-pulse that is used for nearly all post-op patients. Randy worked with the inventor of the Omega Trac wheelchair, that can traverse rough ground and even go up escalators. About 20 years ago Randy was recruited by Orbis Online, a reverse auction company founded in San Antonio.
Throughout all his military and post-military years, Randy officiated for any number of sports for athletes of all ages including collegiate sports. He loved all sports and would tell you he officiated for 40 years because he wanted fair and consistent oversight for athletes. Randy knew he would get ejected from many games if he were playing, coaching; or even spectating due to his extreme passion. He was right!
Randy met Geri Rue at Mardi Gras in New Orleans on February 15, 1983. Randy was dressed as a carrot and Geri a gangster. The unlikely pair were head over heels in no time at all. Even though they had seen each other only four times, the two were wed October 22, 1983 and had enjoyed nearly 38 years of marital bliss before Randy was called home to heaven.
Randy is survived by his wife, Geri, his children Philip (Krista); Jon; and Teri (Nathan Dawson) and his grandchildren Gentry, Cooper, Walker and Georgia. Randy had eight half brothers and sisters; although he loved to say he was the only original. From his mother’s side Scott, Heidi, and Kate; from his father’s side Greg, Lisa, Don, and Chris. Randy has several nieces and nephews. Randy is preceded in death by both his parents and one half-brother, Walter.
Randy lived life large and to the fullest. He was generous beyond belief. He was a gift-giver by nature. On more than one occasion, Randy would return from a mission without any shoes because he had given his to another. He volunteered in the Big Brother program; Stephen Ministries; Elf Louise; and local food banks. His whole life he loved to play Santa Claus. In recent years, he did so for SAMMinistries, other local charities, and his church family. Randy truly had a servants heart. Mostly though, Randy loved his family. Life with Randy Becker was plumb full of surprises and fun, from everyday corny jokes to over-the-top family vacations. Randy’s passion to serve God meant serving others and cherishing his relationships. If you’ve met Randy Becker, you probably love Randy Becker; and Randy Becker most certainly loves you.
Randy loved to fish. Like a true disciple of Christ, he was most successful as a fisher of men. His cast net tossed wide and deep and touched the lives of so many. He lived well and he loved very well. We will miss him every day.
A Celebration of Life for Randy will take place at the Tejas Event Center in Bulverde, Texas on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 2 pm. Click here to join the service via Zoom.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Randy Becker’s memory to SAMM Ministries.