This memorial website was created to remember Frank Becerra who was born in Houston, Texas on January 29, 1914 and passed away on November 24, 2008. He will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Frank Becerra, 94, of Peoria, passed away at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2008, at home.
Frank was born in Houston, TX on January 29, 1914, a son of Henry and Maria (Hernandez) Becerra. He married Margie E. Montgomery on May 1, 1936 in Peoria.
He is survived by his wife, of 72 years, Margie; daughters, Sylvia Hunt of Springfield, Sharon (James) Wick of Conneaut, OH, Lynda (Leslie) Gates of Springfield and Diane (Craig) Kiddoo of Urbana; son, Paul Becerra of Peoria; 25 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and his beloved companion, Curly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul; and sisters, Estella and Aurora.
Frank was a U.S. Army World War II Veteran, serving in the Third Armored “Spearhead” Division’s liberation of France. He was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, two Bronze Stars, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Theater Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
In 2004, Frank attended the D-day Sixty-Year Anniversary Re-Enactment in Conneaut, with his daughter, Sharon, and her husband, James Wick.
Frank was employed in the auto body industry for many years, finally becoming the owner and operator of Big Hollow Auto Body in Peoria in the late 1960’s. He had the best auto body shop in town.
He loved go-cart racing, vacationing in Mexico, taking tractor rides, spending time in his garage, working on cars, working in his yard, boating and fishing. He enjoyed boxing, karate and Country music. His favorite artist was Patsy Cline and his favorite song was “Stardust”.
Frank always took great pleasure in his brave battles with the moles in his yard. He was very passionate, a hard worker, enjoyed helping others, had a great sense of humor and was always there when you needed him.
Frank was of the Catholic faith and his funeral liturgy will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Resurrection Mausoleum Chapel in Peoria, with Fr. Thomas E. Taylor officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the mausoleum. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team (TMRT).
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Presbyterian Church Building Fund or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.
