Thomas James Becker passed away peacefully with his wife Janet at his side holding his hand September 12, 2022 in Mount Vernon, Washington. His battle with medical issues in recent years showed his immense courage and spirit in facing life's challenges with a smile.

Thomas was born September 26, 1964 in Lima, Ohio to Thomas and Rosanna Becker. He spent his childhood causing mischief and actively participating in Boy Scouts and 4H with his older brother, Timothy. He attended Kenton High school, spending the last two years at Ohio Hi-Point Career center studying drafting before graduating in 1982.

Thomas enlisted in the US Navy following graduation as catapult and arresting gear maintenance technician where he served on the USS Ranger before getting stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. It was there he met the love of his life, Janet Harkins, at a backyard barbeque in 1985. They were married in Oak Harbor, Washington on February 28, 1986. The newlyweds then relocated to San Diego, California where Thomas was stationed at NAS North Island where he worked at OLF San Clemente Island. In May of 1987 they welcomed their first child, Rachyl. He was honorably discharged in 1988 and the young family moved back to Washington State, where Thomas enrolled at Skagit Valley College to study computer assisted drafting while also working with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources as a wildland fire fighter and with the Mount Vernon Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter/EMT. In the fall of 1989, Thomas and Janet welcomed their second daughter, Jordyn. He graduated from Skagit Valley College in 1991 with a degree in computer aided drafting and design. He then put his degree to use designing houses in Mount Vernon. In the summer of 1993 Thomas and Janet completed their family with the birth of their daughter, Tessa. In 1994 he began his beloved career as a federal firefighter at Puget Sound Federal Fire Department on NAS Whidbey Island where he rose through the ranks to Captain before his retirement on December 29, 2017. Throughout his time in the fire service he demonstrated deckplate leadership, cultivating a lifelong brotherhood and proudly served as the Vice President of his local IAFF chapter. Thomas loved his career as a firefighter so much that his wife and daughters often joked that he would do it for free.

Thomas had many titles throughout his life and one that he was most proud of was "Papa." He shared mutual adoration and pride with is three grandsons, Bradley, Robby and Tommy. He gave them a shining example of how to be a good man, how to be kind to others and, most importantly, how to have fun.

Thomas was a notorious jokester with an infectious laugh and smile, to know him was to love him and he touched so many lives with his larger than life presence. He spent his time off duty as an avid golfer, playing and umpiring softball, taking care of his lawn, logging countless hours on his riding lawn mower and spending time with his beloved family. He had a competitive spirit and was always up for any game or challenge that came his way. He loved watching Ohio State football games, often making friendly bets with his father when Ohio played Michigan State, undertaking many home improvement projects and taking yearly anniversary trips with his wife Janet to Las Vegas. Thomas was a fierce friend who would drop whatever he was doing to help another and that spirit remained until the end. He lived his life in service to others and always said, "you have to put your own mask on first," referencing his fire department training and encouraging taking care of yourself in order to be able to take care of others.

Thomas is proceeded in death by his father, Thomas Joseph Becker. He is survived by his wife, Janet, his three daughters Rachyl (Robert) Eddy, Jordyn Becker, Tessa (Joseph) Johnson and his grandsons Bradley, Robby and Tommy Eddy. His Mother, Rosanna, sisters Carol Simon, Cindy (Kenneth) Belew, Michelle Becker and Brother Timothy Becker.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Washington State Council of Firefighters Burn Foundation. Memories of Thomas will always be loved and cherished by his family and the many lives he touched. Rest easy Captain Becker, we have the watch now

A time of viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 1:00pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.                                    A graveside service and time of reception will follow at Hawthorne Memorial Park, Mount Vernon, WA.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.