Col. Gordon W. Becker passed peacefully at his home on September 11, 2016 at the age of 95.
He was born on October 2, 1920 and grew up in Baltimore, Md. He married the love of his life, Colleen Pickave in 1942. Together they had 4 daughters: Bonnie Lee Blasco, Marlene Vedock, Beverly Indianer and Tricia Gilbert.
He had a passion for flying and received his commercial pilot’s and flight instructor’s licenses in 1940. His initial involvement in World War II was training British pilots. He later joined the Army Air Corp and flew 138 missions in the Hump Operation, flying between China, Burma and India where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. He proudly continued his service to his country through the Air Force Reserves until 1980. After WWII, he went on to have an illustrious career in the FAA, which took him from Washington D.C., to Atlanta where he had the home of his dreams built in Peachtree City. At the time of his retirement, he was the chief of the Southern Region Flight Standards Division.
He had many hobbies: painting, gardening and sailing. But, his favorite by far was golf, and he has 4 hole-in-one trophies to prove it. He was able to play the links well into his 90’s.
He was proceeded in death by his wife and eldest daughter.
His remaining family, including 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, will miss him dearly. Each of us knows, he is in a much better place surrounded by those loved ones who have passed before him. And, for all of us who know him well, always remember he went through life with “no aches or pains.”
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Mowell Funeral Home, 200 Robinson Road, Peachtree City. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 1 p.m. and the service will begin at 2 p.m.
Carl J Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
