Arno Winfred Becker

Arno Becker passed away peacefully at home on March 22nd, 2024. He was 93 years old.

Arno was born on March 14th, 1931 to Walter and Pauline Becker (nee Lieck). He had one sister, Cora Jane Welsch (deceased).

A resident of New Braunfels his entire life, Arno attended Carl Schurz Elementary School for grades 1-6, and New Braunfels High School at the Mill Street location for grades 7-12. While in high school he played trombone in the band and participated in numerous other clubs including National Honor Society, Student Council, Sea Scouts and National Guard Band. Arno also achieved the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. Following his graduation in 1949 Arno enrolled in Texas A&M University, College Station. A member of the Fighting Texas Aggie class of 1953, Arno was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, acting as Commander of Ordnance Company A and the Ross Volunteers. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Following college Arno went into active duty with the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. Upon his release he held various jobs in his field of Mechanical Engineering. He remained active in the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Major before his resignation in 1966.

In 1966 Arno was hired by Mr. McKenna to the position of Chief Engineer at Mission Valley Mills. He represented Mission Valley Mills in the construction of the Iselin Plant, and following the start up, supervised the engineering and maintenance of both plants and their infrastructure- including the design of several machines.

In 1973 he bought into the family auto business- Becker Motor Company, and in 1989 became the Senior Operating Partner. He held this position until the business was sold in 2002. While active in the automobile industry he served on Chrysler and Dodge Advertising Associations and Chrysler and Dodge Dealer Councils.

A proud New Braunfels resident, Arno served in many capacities in the community. He was appointed to the board of McKenna Memorial Hospital in 1976 and served until the sale of the hospital in 2008, including in the capacity of Chairman of the Board. He also served as Director of the Chamber of Commerce for several years and was elected to the Hall of Honor in 1987. Arno and his father, Walter were the first father/ son duo in the Hall of Honor. He was appointed to the Board of the New Braunfels Utilities in 1981 and was elected President of the Board in 1986. Arno was a long time member of the New Braunfels Noon Lions Club and Elks Lodge. Always proud of his German heritage- Arno was a member of the Wurstfest Association since 1974 and was named Grosse Opa in 1993 and Opa Emeritus in 1994.

Arno was elected to the New Braunfels City Council in 1988 and served 2 years. In 1990 he was elected Mayor of the City of New Braunfels and served until 1991.

In 2008 Arno was honored to be named as a Living Legend of New Braunfels by the Braunfels Foundation Trust. A true honor granted to a man who so loved his community and the city he called home. Arno was also named as a Distinguished Alumnus of New Braunfels High School.

An active member of St Paul Lutheran Church, Arno was baptized and confirmed there and was a lifelong member for his 93 years.

Arno is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Jimmie (Brown) Becker. He was honored to be father to her daughters Kathy Dacy (spouse Pat) and Jemme Steinberger (spouse Clark). He was a proud father to them and his sons Chris Becker (spouse Angela) & Blair Becker (spouse Terri) and daughter Sherri Owen (spouse Robin, deceased). He was blessed with four grandsons- Ryan Owen, Devin Owen (spouse Carrie), Trey Owen and Kirby Becker (spouse Clara) and three granddaughters- Brittany Buckner, Sarah Sicola (spouse Michael), and Kaitlyn Blanchard. These grandchildren have blessed him with a total of eight great grandchildren, and all loved their Opie very much.

Arno lived a life full of love, joy, and service to his family and community. He touched many lives throughout his long life and we are all better for having known him.

Memorial service to be held Monday, April 1st at 2pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels. Visitation with the family will begin at 1pm. Private burial to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to St Paul Lutheran Church, New Braunfels charities, or a charity of your choice.