Neil Becker -- Obituary

January 4, 2012 — 

The AASV staff was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. NEIL BECKER, age 73, of Shelbyville, Tenn. formerly of Lynchburg, Tenn. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at Heritage Medical Center in Shelbyville,Tenn. Dr. Becker was a long-term active member of AASV. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1962 with a degree in veterinary medicine, followed by a Master's Degree in swine pathology and microbiology in 1967. His profession allowed him many opportunities in the field of Veterinary Medicine, specifically swine management and diseases. He served as a pathologist at the University of Illinois from 1962-1969, was a private food animal practitioner in Shabbona, Il from 1969-1974, an Associate Professor at the University of Florida Veterinary College from 1974-1988, a tech service veterinarian with Upjohn-Pharmacia, and finally started the only veterinary practice in Moore County, Tenn., (Hilltop Animal clinic) in 2005. Dr. Becker was recognized for many honors and awards, served as a guest speaker all over the world, wrote and published numerous articles in the area of swine medicine, participated in many service clubs, loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and playing the banjo, organ and basically enjoying life.

Dr. Becker was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Reins Becker, the mother of his children, Jean Maynor Nance and his parents; Harold and Betty Becker of LaMoile and Mendota, IL. He is survived by his three children; Garet (Lisa) Becker of North Webster, Ind., Monica (Josh) Duvall of Lebanon, Tenn. and Cory (Gina) Becker of Mayfield, Ky., seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Brothers; Dwight (Ruth) Becker of Spring Valley, IL, Denny (Cindy) Becker of Van Orin, IL, Rick (Ginny) Becker of LaMoile, IL, sisters; Nancy (Bruce) Beattie also of LaMoile, IL and Jan Becker Jones of Philo, IL, with many nieces and nephews all residing in Illinois, also the friends and acquaintances he acquired over his colorful life are too numerous to count.

A celebration of life service for Dr. Becker will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Wartrace, Tenn. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 P.M. until service time at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to either the Moore County Animal Control or the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Becker's obituary is available online at http://www.grantfuneralservices.net/obituaries/harold-neil-becker,-dvm.aspx