BECKER, Jack A.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ September 20, 2007 Jack A. Becker, 65, local historian, died at his home in Springerville Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007. He was born July 15, 1942, to Ernest and Ethel Becker in Springerville. He was a fourth generation Arizonan from a pioneer family of the Springerville area. After graduating from Round Valley High School in 1960, Jack attended the University of Arizona where he majored in History and Spanish. It was there, in May of 1964, that he met his lifelong companion, Carol Cericalo. They were married in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 27, 1964. In May of 1970 Jack was elected to the Springerville Town Council. In 1972 Jack was elected vice mayor of Springerville and, in 1974, mayor. Jack received his pilot's license in 1970. He loved to fly, but enjoyed historical research of the area even more. He created a Web site for Round Valley history which can be found at www.roundvalleyaz.com. Jack is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol of Springerville; brother Jim Becker of Corpus Christi, Texas; sister Nancy (Nolan) Steele of Phoenix; and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his basset hounds. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ethel Becker, and brother Bill. Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 18, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Springerville. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, AZ. 85929. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.