Fred Becker, III of McKinney, Texas passed away on February 25, 2025 at the age of 88. Born to loving parents Fred K. Becker Jr. and Mary (Boucherle) Becker on June 6, 1936 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Raised in the Pittsburgh suburb Mt. Lebanon, Fred attended Kiski Preparatory School before heading to Flint, Michigan, to study engineering at General Motors Technical Institute (later renamed Kettering University). It was there, amid the hum of engines and the promise of innovation, that he met Colleen MacDonald. The two married in 1961, forging a bond that would endure for over five decades. After graduating, Fred joined Buick Motor Division, where he spent many years as district manager in Central Pennsylvania. The couple had one son, Fred IV and moved to Altoona, PA.
Later in life Fred returned to Pittsburgh and took over the family business, leading the custom home building and development of Deerfield Manor in Upper St. Clair until his retirement. Whether building a home or tuning an engine, he was happiest with a tool in hand and a challenge to solve. His love for motors extended beyond work—friends knew him as a guy who enjoyed boating, NASCAR racing or classic car shows. At a glance he could tell you the make, model and year of any American made car on the road.
Fondly given the nickname “Poppy” by his granddaughters, those closest to him quickly embraced the name and for 25 years Poppy gifted family and friends with laughter and love.
In his last years he moved to Texas to be close to his family. Because of his smile and sense of humor some started to call him “Mr. Personality”. He had a very quick wit and a sly way of using it. Fred had the most incredible memory, recalling minute details about everything he experienced.
A proud Pittsburgher, Fred cheered fiercely for the Steelers and knew everything about his hometown. Yet his greatest joys in life were his family and being on the water. He treasured time with his granddaughters, Mikayla and MacKenzie, regaling them with stories from the helm of his yacht, the Mik-Mac where he sailed Lake Erie with the same zeal he brought to every endeavor.
Fred is survived by his son Fred Becker IV and his wife, Bobbie of McKinney, Texas; granddaughters, Mackenzie Becker of Duarte, California, and Mikayla Becker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; brother, Paul Becker and his wife, Phyllis of Port Hadlock, Washington; and a host of other numerous loving family and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife Colleen Becker and his parents.
Fred’s legacy lives in the homes he built in Deerfield Manor, his beautiful granddaughters, and the laughter and love he shared. His spirit will be forever missed.