WILMINGTON - Howard M. Becker, 79, passed away Nov. 24, 2018.

Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 3 until 8 p.m. at the Wilmington Moose, 32050 W. River Road, Wilmington.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Barbara Becker; three children, Kristin (David) Crosby, Kathryn (Lee) Greene and Todd Becker; two step children, Thomas (Dorothy) Dancey and Tisha Bailey; eight grandchildren, Scott (Braylee) Swick, Brad Swick, Karli (Brent Turner) Greene, Cody Crosby, Ryan Greene, Brynn Becker, Brooke Becker and Hannah Bailey; three great-grandchildren, Shephard Swick, Rebecca Turner and Woodley Turner; two sisters-in-law, Janet Becker and Ann Becker; his ex-wife and friend, Carol Nyi; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert (Sue) Becker and two brothers, Jim Becker and Rich Becker.

Howie graduated from Mendota High School in 1957. He played football for University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 1962. He retired from Gardner South Wilmington High School and Wilmington High School after more than 30 years of coaching and teaching. He was a member of the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame. He was recognized with the naming of Becker Field in his honor at Wilmington High School. He was a member of the Wilmington Moose and Mendota Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Howard’s name may be directed to the Wilmington 209U Foundation for Excellence, 209U Wildcat Court Wilmington, IL 60481.

For more information, please call (815) 725-0100 or visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com.