Don C. Becker Jr.

Don C. Becker Jr. passed away peacefully Dec. 7th at his house in Santa Barbara.

Don was born in Pasadena, CA to Don C. Becker Sr. and Ruth Becker. Don graduated from a military high school in Pasadena and soon after moved to Santa Barbara where he joined his father who had created Becker and Son’s painting. Don, along with his crew, painted many building in Santa Barbara. There probably wasn’t a historical building that he and his crew didn’t paint over the years that he operated and later owned Becker and Son’s painting.

Don served in the Navy during the Korean War, enlisting Nov 27th, 1950. Don served faithfully on the USS Taluga as Damage Controlman Second Class. September 2nd, 1954 Don was honorably discharged with distinguished medals such as Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service medal, China Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal with 5 stars. Don also served as a sheriff for Santa Barbara County and also volunteered for the US National forest service where he continued to foster his love for the great outdoors.

Don married Janet Chaney in 1956. Janet passed away in 1973. He met Barbara Green Crawford who had 2 sons from her previous marriage, Stephen W. Crawford and Mark A. Crawford and they wed in 1976. Don was a loyal step father and husband until Barbara passed in early 2023.

Don was a devoted scout leader for many years for Troop 15 in the Santa Barbara area, earning the highest achievement in scouting, the Silver Beaver. His most cherished memories were of leading those packs of young men deep into the backcountry. In addition to the Boy Scouts, Don was also a dedicated Elks member. He was honored as a founding member of the Santa Barbara Elks, recipient of numerous Elk of the year and was an active volunteer with the cooking and grounds crew up until his passing. He also played in the band where he was in the drum corps and was known to put on quite the flashy show with his drum sticks. He was a kind and generous soul who touched all who met him.

Don C. Becker is survived by his two step-sons Stephen W. Crawford and Mark A. Crawford, his wife Gina and their two children Taylor and Ryan, his nephew Tod Becker and niece Joanne Sharp.

A celebration of life will take place at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge for both Don and Barbara Becker on May 18th.