John William Becan Jr.'s Obituary
Becan Jr., John William, 83, a long-time resident of Dallas passed away on September 26, 2013. John was born on January 31, 1930 in Fort Worth. He was raised in Fort Worth and graduated from Northside High School. He served in the United States Marine Corp, in both active duty and reserves, from 1950 until 1957 and obtained the rank of sergeant. In 1954, he earned an associate in science in industrial electrical engineering from Arlington State College (now UT Arlington). John had a natural talent for all things mechanical and electrical and shared his knowledge with others. During his career he worked for International Business Machines (IBM), Data Automation, Otis Engineering, and Halliburton. He was also a proprietor of the Red Dog Saloon. On November 28, 1953 he married Jeraldine Houpy. Their marriage marked the beginning of a beautiful union that spanned 60 years in Dallas and a loving family of 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. John lived by example and demonstrated a deep abiding love and respect for God and family. He also instilled in his children a love for our nation and to cherish their Czech heritage and culture. He was a charter member of P.O.L.K. of A. which provided cultural dancing entertainment for festivals, nursing homes, and retirement communities. For more than five decades he participated in Heritage Day at the State Fair of Texas. He was an active member of KJT, SPJST Dallas #84 and Dallas Czech Singers. He is survived by a large circle of friends and family including his sister, Georgia Mihelich of Chicago, Illinois; wife, Jeraldine Becan of Dallas; daughter, Cynthia Edwards and husband, David Edwards of Dallas; son, John David Becan and wife, Deborah Becan of Plainfield, Indiana; daughter, Deborah Kerr and husband, William Kerr of Bryan; daughter, Jacqueline Kenney and husband, Michael Kenney of Lucas; daughter, Stephanie Turner and husband, Ryan Turner of Austin; son, Bryan Becan and wife, Jennifer Becan of Burleson. He is preceded in death by his parents, John W. Becan and Sophia Walla Becan, and sister, Mary Elizabeth Phillips. Pallbearers will be Chaz Edwards, Brandon Kerr, Jason Kerr, Michael Kenney, Jr., Lance Kenney, and Chase Ivy. On Sunday, September 29, 2013, visitation is from 7- 9 PM., a Rosary will be held at 8:30 PM at Restland Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church (9933 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas). Interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery (3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas). Memorials may be made to: St. Monica Catholic Church (9933 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75220) or to the charity or nonprofit organization of one’s choice.
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