About Us

Becker and Son Funeral Home is a family owned and operated business serving the Mt. Olive community since 1906. Edward H. Becker became interested in the funeral business while working for his stepfather, August Ruhlander, who operated a combined furniture / funeral business. To further his education, Mr. Becker attended the Barnes School of Anatomy, Sanitary Science and Embalming. Upon graduation, he became one of the first in the area with a degree in funeral services.

Edward and his wife Minnie Keune Becker operated the business together until 1936 when their son Maynard joined the business having graduated from Hohen Shuh Carpenter College of Embalming in St. Louis. Another son, Edward Keune Becker joined the business in 1938. Second Lieutenant Edward Keune Becker was killed in action in France in July, 1944.

Maynard's Son, Edward Thomas Becker joined the business in 1971, having graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Edward's son, Douglas Edward Becker graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2006 and joined the business, becoming the fourth generation of funeral directors to serve the Mt. Olive community.