Edward “Ed” Becker
February 28, 1949 – June 17, 2025

Edward “Ed” Becker, 76, of Mt. Olive, Illinois, passed away on June 17th, 2025 peacefully with his family by his side.

Born on February 28, 1949, Ed was the youngest and only son of Maynard and Elizabeth (Betty) Potts Becker. He graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1971.

After college, Ed returned to his beloved hometown to join his father and grandfather in the family funeral business. He was proud to carry on their legacy and had a true calling for comforting others during life’s hardest moments. His presence, compassion, and professionalism brought peace and guidance to countless families in their time of need.

In 1979, Ed married the love of his life, Shelley. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, laughter, and shared purpose. They raised four children: Tracey (Larry) Fuller, Holley (Doug) McFarland, Doug (Jenny) Becker, and Betsey (Dustin) Hildenbrand. Ed was a proud and devoted grandfather to his ten grandchildren: Autumn (Collin) Schuricht, Madison Fuller, Jordan Fuller, Brody McFarland, Bo McFarland, Thea Becker, Holden Becker, Finley Becker, Oscar Hildenbrand, and Everly Hildenbrand.

Ed poured his heart into the town he called home. He wasn’t just a resident of Mt. Olive—he was part of its fabric. Whether it was helping organize the Wacky Olympics, coaching little league, playing volleyball and playing “all-star” poley with his longtime partner Jr., Ed was always in the middle of the action, bringing people together. He proudly served as president of Turner Hall for 17 years and became the familiar voice behind the beloved annual Easter Egg Hunt. He celebrated every tradition, big or small, and even managed to bowl a perfect 300 game—just one more story in a life full of them. Ed didn’t just participate—he made things happen, and he made them special.

One of Ed’s greatest joys was traveling with Shelley. Whether it was a train trip through the mountains, packing up for a family vacation, or heading to a music festival, Ed loved the adventure. He cherished the experiences, the laughter, and the memories made along the way. Their journeys were filled with music, good food, shared stories, and friends.

He was also deeply committed to public service and community involvement. Ed was a charter member of the Jaycees, an alderman, and a longtime member of the Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department and ambulance service, serving over 20 years. He held memberships with the Knights of Columbus and his lifelong church. He also served as president of the City and Union Miners Cemetery boards and was a trustee of Chapman Cemetery.

Ed’s love for St. Louis sports—especially the Cardinals—was second to none. He had an encyclopedic memory for stats, loved a good sports debate, and rarely missed a game. His family will always remember the passionate conversations, predictions, and occasional frustrations about how the season was going—and how it should have gone.
Outside of sports, Ed had a lifelong passion for music. For 37 years, he co-hosted Songwriters showcase a show on KDHX St. Louis public radio with one of his great friends, Larry Weir and later another great friend later Steve St Cyr. Through that platform, he connected with a wide community of music lovers and passed his appreciation for music down to his children and grandchildren through concerts, shared playlists, and unforgettable experiences.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his mother-in-law Judith Haller; father-in-law Paul Haller; and in-laws Kenneth Hinkley, Zeb Booth, Ion Hawkins, and Connie Hawkins.
He is survived by his loving wife Shelley, his children and grandchildren, and his two sisters, Judy (Becker) Hinkley and Jane Becker, sister-in-law Donna (Haller) Booth, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Ed’s life was full of purpose, connection, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor, dedication, and unwavering community spirit. His impact will be felt for generations, and his memory will live on in every story, every laugh, and every act of kindness inspired by the way he lived.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at St. John Paul II Catholic Parish Church, 705 E Main St, Mount Olive, IL 62069 and again on Tuesday, June 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at the City Cemetery, and a luncheon will follow at St. John Paul II Catholic Parish Church Hall. 
Memorials may be made to the Mount Olive Fire Department, FOCUS 5, and Turner Hall.