Newton Dwight "Newt" Becker

Newton ""Newt"" D. Becker, a resident of Biloxi since 2009, passed away at MS State Veterans Home, Collins. He was born in Chicago, IL, and preceded in death by parents, Pearl and Arthur Becker and several brothers and sisters.
He served in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division four years during the Korean War. After discharge he attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, and Michigan State University earning a Masters in Music Education.
He was married to Louise Brown of Clarksville, TN for 18 years. They divorced in 1972. Newt taught instrumental music for 30 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan schools, retiring in 1986. After retiring he purchased a 40-foot ketch sailing single-handedly through the Great Lakes Locks, the Hudson River, into the Atlantic, and on into the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida where he docked and lived on his boat for 15 years. He was an avid sailor, securing his U.S. Coast Guard pilots license. He also played a mean trombone in several local bands in that area. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2008 he moved on land. He watched ""Fox & Friends"" every day and wanted to vote for Trump. In Biloxi he enjoyed the casinos, playing penny slots, eating at the buffet and all the hugs he received from the lady poker dealers at the Isle/Nugget. He is survived by three sons, Mitchell, Mathew, and Andrew, and one sister, of Florida, and by his long-time friend and caregiver, Joan Hartwell.
He has requested no funeral. Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.
Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.