Wayne Walter Becker

Wayne Walter Becker, On March 1, 2025 age 82 of Moorestown, NJ Our beloved son, brother, husband, father, friend, and neighbor is home. Wayne Walter Becker (June 4, 1942 – March 1, 2025) was a man defined by his unwavering devotion to family, nature, faith, and service. His journey began in Detroit, MI in the care of his parents Marion and Walter. Born into a Coast Guard (USCG) family, Wayne’s early years took him from Ketchikan, AK to Elizabeth City, NC, and many points in between. His sister Sandy soon joined the crew. His early exposure to diverse communities and landscapes instilled in him a deep connection to the natural world and an enduring love for exploration, learning, and community. With his immense intellect and drive, he sailed through junior college and into the prestigious USCG Academy where he cultivated interests spanning engineering, oceanography, seamanship, national security, and environmental protection. While stationed in Newport, RI and “in parallel chow lines,” Wayne met his beloved wife, Jeannie Joan Kuhns, a Naval WAVE officer candidate. Their 1966 marriage at Naval Air Station Oceana, Norfolk, VA was defined by inherent reciprocity and a unique promise: to raise their children in both the Roman Catholic and Lutheran traditions, honoring both. In 1967, while Wayne was at sea for three months, he received a message: “You have a boy.” He raced back to Staten Island, NY to be with Jeannie and his first child, Matthew. Aaron (1969), Tanya (1970), and twins Andrew and Anna (1976) arrived to complete the family. Wayne often marveled at Jeannie’s strength as she managed their family, even in the face of adversity. He often touted her near-superhuman strength in stories like the one in which just after the twins’ births, “Jeannie and our household survived a hurricane in East Lyme . . . while I sailed the summer away.” His adoration and respect for Jeannie was always palpable. True to his upbringing, Wayne joyfully shared with his family his abiding love for the natural world and for God. Each of his children have unique memories of canoeing, hunting, exploring, partaking in worship, serving others, and conversing with Wayne. Wayne and Jeannie were married for 56+ years and he cherished her through the best and most painful years until her death in 2023 (due to Parkinson’s disease). He missed her beyond words and longed to be with her. Wayne’s professional life was marked by service to humanity, country, God’s creation, and – above all – God. His 30-year career with the Coast Guard was marked by significant accomplishments, including memorable oceanographic cruises and serving as operations officer on the USCG Cutter Eagle during its U.S. Bicentennial cruise. His leadership in research and development projects helped shape the future of the Coast Guard, and reflected his analytical, innovative and service-oriented spirit. After graduating with a BS from the USCG Academy, he earned an MS in Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island. Recently reflecting on his 30 years of USCG service Wayne highlighted the following: “Nice to remember: Oceanographic cruise up the Pacific coast of Central and South America. “Most fun: Serving as the Eagle’s [USCG 295-foot barque] operations officer for its U.S. Bicentennial cruise. “Most rewarding: . . . having the independence to lead a [comprehensive] review to develop . . . a full suite of projects directed toward the Coast Guard’s future interests, as its head of Research and Development. 25-year involvement in the formative politics of the oceans, . . . marine environmental response, marine vehicle technology, boating safety, and advanced ship types.” Following his retirement from active service, Wayne established Salutary Technology, Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to risk management, boating safety, and environmental sustainability. He achieved three advanced degrees in theology and ethics (MA, MAR, STM), and made every effort to serve his church, community (e.g., 20-years of service with the United Way of Camden, NJ), and greater society (e.g., his publications like “Neighbors in Time: Development and Use of Some Values for Intergenerational Justice”). The fellowship Wayne found for over 40 years in the St. Matthew’s church community, and his Monday Bible study in particular, sustained him. He wrestled endlessly with the toughest spiritual questions and found joy, challenge, and intellectual engagement with congregants there. He was grounded by the notion that “God is Bigger than our understanding.” Wayne has six magnificent grandchildren – Elizabeth, Layla, Thea, Joshua, Noah, and Nina – who live all over the country (MI, WA, VA) and world (Thailand and France). He cherished his children’s partners: Lisa Lechniak, Aaron Barnett, Ross Eisenberg, and Therese Becker, and their families. Wayne warmly embraced his neighbors and friends, new and old. Wayne’s outgoing friendliness, heart-on-his-sleeve love for others, insatiable curiosity, spiritual depth, and commitment to serving others will continue to inspire. He passed away suddenly yet peacefully at his chosen home in New Jersey, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, steadfast love, and unwavering dedication to faith, family, and service. We love you very much Dad-Grandpa-Bubby-Friend. May your soul and spirit be filled with the love you gave to all. We hope you love your forever home with your wife and with Jesus Christ. A Visitation for his church community, friends, and neighbors will be held on March 10, 2025 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 318 Chester Ave. Moorestown, NJ.Funeral service will follow at 10:30 am at the church. Interment with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. His memory will forever inspire us all. In lieu of flowers to Memorial contributions to the St. Matthew Lutheran church of Moorestown, 318 Chester Ave. https://stmatthew-lutheran.org/donate/

Wayne Walter Becker

June 4, 1942 - March 1, 2025