Donald Carl Becker peacefully passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, after a courageous two-year battle with stage 4 bile duct cancer. He was born on November 20, 1959, in Patuxent, Maryland, and was one of seven children raised in Cocoa, Rockledge, and Merritt Island, Florida.

Don graduated from Merritt Island High School in 1977 before attending United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering in 1981. While at the academy, he rowed on the crew team and developed the determination and adventurous spirit that would define much of his life. In 1992, he earned his Master of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology.

In 1983, Don married the love of his life, Mona Rutledge Becker, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 43 years. Together they built a strong, faith-filled family that became the center of his world.

Don's professional career reflected his intelligence, strong work ethic, and willingness to take on challenges. He served as a Marine Engineer aboard seagoing tankers, traveling the world. He later worked as a licensed engineer for Morton Thiokol on the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster recovery vessel and served as a scuba diver during booster recovery operations, including recovery efforts following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. He also worked as a Senior Engineer with Lockheed Space Operations. Don then served as Deputy Plant Manager and Operations and Maintenance Manager for Morton Salt. Most recently, he worked with Jacobs Engineering Group as Engineering Manager overseeing doors, cranes, and platforms in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).

Beyond his accomplishments, Don was known as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who lived his life with integrity, intentionality, and unwavering faith. He was a risk taker, a superb athlete, an avid golfer, an adventure seeker, and someone who could fix nearly anything. Even while working full time, he designed and built several homes.

Don faithfully served his community through the Upward Basketball program at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island for more than 20 years, mentoring and investing in the lives of countless young people. He loved adventure, travel, and creating lasting memories with his family.

Of all his accomplishments and adventures, the greatest joy of Don's life was his family, especially investing in the lives of his children and grandchildren and sharing his faith with others.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Shirley (Riggenbach) Becker, and his brother, Jim Meeks.

He is survived by his wife, Mona (Rutledge) Becker; his children, Jacqueline (Robby) Johnson, Jay (Rachel) Becker, and Julianne Becker; his eight cherished grandchildren, Sadie, Tripp, Wade, and Clay Johnson, and Layna, Riggen, Campbell, and Grant Becker; his mother, Melinda Becker; his siblings, Chuck (Lisa) Becker, Connie (Russ) Martin, Samantha (Jim) Reddish, Felecia (Rod) Phipps, and Brandie Osburn; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, located at 140 Magnolia Avenue, Merritt Island, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Georgianna Church, 3925 South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32952, or to the Shema Ministry, Attn: Beth Baxter, 4650 Highway 520, Cocoa, FL 32926.