David Warren Becker

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David Warren Becker passed away suddenly on December 30, 2022, in Lewes, Delaware, at the age of 60. He was a loved son, brother, husband, father and uncle. David was born on November 8, 1962, to Barbara Anne Leggett-Becker and father, Charles Becker, who were both originally from Michigan but met while working in Washington DC.

Immediately after they were married, they were sent to Tehran, Iran for their first deployment and gave birth to Dave. After years of travelling around the world, from Japan to Manassas Virginia followed by Australia and back to Virginia, the family settled in Traverse City Michigan, where Dave and his sisters, Jodi and Carla, attended High School.

No matter where the family lived however, the most memorable days were spent in what the Becker family called, “Surprise Sundays”, a day of family explorations–be it camping in the outback of Australia, exploring the Smithsonian, flying electric airplanes in civil war battlefields, or hosting Redskins Football parties. Moving to Michigan brought on several additional hobbies.

At Traverse City Senior High School, Dave developed many of his highly regarded communication skills, as a member of the Debate team and on the Model UN. He also developed lifelong hobbies such as fishing, skiing, sailing, biking, skating, photography, and music.

After a few years of College, Dave served in the Army for 12 years and was stationed in various locations, including Fort Mead, Manhattan, KS and Munich, Germany. He then studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute, in Monterey California followed by 25 plus years in leadership roles within the US Government. While working for the DOD he was encouraged to further his education and eventually ended up with the equivalent of 2 Masters degrees through the Army War College and The U.S. Army Command and Staff College. Throughout his lifetime he served in many capacities around the world, mostly in military intelligence at Leavenworth Kansas, Munich Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan. He served the United States with honor. We have been impacted by his career.

He most recently served as a Military Consultant in the countries of Georgia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. He was truly a patriot working for national security, through multiple administrations.

David is remembered lovingly for his generous heart and is claimed by many to be a best friend. It is witnessed that he truly cared about the well-being of his friends and family, and he worked diligently to provide for his family. He has been described as a fierce leader with an intense work ethic, and an impressive mentor. Some call him a kindred spirit, while others
remember his enthusiasm for understanding the heart of the oppressed. Mostly, he dedicated his life to national security while also loving and supporting his family and friends.

We will always cherish his infectious smile and boisterous laugh. Most memorably, he is remembered as someone who was truly dedicated to living a life in the moment in hopes of creating wonderful stories, and beautiful memories. We have lost a national treasure.

In 2021 Dave married Olha. The two have spent many beautiful hours together since, enjoying travelling, cooking, eating, talking, exercising and celebrating life. She was truly an inspiration to him over the last few years.

David was pre-deceased by his Parents, Barbara A. Becker (Leggett) and Charles W. Becker.

Surviving family include his wife Olha, two Sisters, Jodi Becker, of Sabillasville Maryland and Carla Becker, of Lewes Delaware, and “A Brilliant” niece (as Dave described her), Aisha Becker-Burrowes. Also surviving are his Aunt and Uncle JoAnn and Wayne Ruczynski as well as many cousins and friends he thought of as family.

All are welcome to join Dave’s family at a Celebration of Life to be held February 18th 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Cunningham-Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA. 22314

The family is accepting donations for the unexpected funeral arrangements at venmo: @Carla-Becker-1

David’s remains will be interred at Quantico National Cemetery at a later date