Casey William Becker

Casey William Becker spent 48 years proving that a life well-lived is measured less in time, and more about the impact you have on others. He passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a nearly 19-year battle with brain cancer.

Casey was the king of dad jokes, had a gift for making people laugh, and was happiest when his family was together. Like the character in Patch Adams, he believed that laughter was the best medicine, and he shared it generously.

He was born on September 17, 1978, in Dallas, Texas to William “Bill” George Becker and Jackie “Dyan” Ward. Growing up in Kaufman, he spent countless hours playing sports from little league through high school. Some of his best childhood memories took place on a baseball or football field or in the streets of the Scott addition. It was in high school when his love for basketball grew, spending time at the Hoop It Up tournaments in downtown Dallas. He was proud of his childhood group of friends who stayed in touch throughout the years, who were always there for each other, and that became more like family.

Casey married the love of his life, Ashleigh Autumn Grimes, on August 25, 2001, and together they built a wonderful life and had three beautiful children: Kyleigh Reese (age 22), Kamdyn Autumn (age 19), and Cooper William (age 17). He was a devoted husband, father, and hard-working provider who never failed to make life fun. Whether it was his endless dad jokes, his amusement from snapchat filters, the joy of watching us sing and dance, or his surprise tickle attacks from “the blanket monster”, there was never a dull moment in the Becker house. Casey loved to attend his kids’ sports games, always making it a point to be there, where he could proudly sit in the stands and experience the game as a dad.

Casey looked forward to fall, when he could spend time in the deer stand and cheering on his Aggies. He often said that even if he never spotted a deer, the peace of simply being outdoors was enough. He took each of his kids hunting one-on-one, though all three ended up falling asleep, which was a story he’d always share with a smile on his face. As Cooper grew older, sharing that love of hunting and the outdoors gave them more time together, doing something they both loved.

Through his years as a teacher and coach, he helped students and players feel seen, encouraged, and believed in. Their stories carry forward the difference he made in their lives. That same heart led him to start the archery program at Kaufman ISD. He loved the sport, but more than that, he wanted students of every athletic ability to have the chance to be part of a team. He saw archery as an opportunity for kids to discover their strengths and find a place where they belonged. The program was an extension of what he believed so deeply: every child had something to offer and deserved someone who believed in them.

Casey is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Ashleigh Becker; their children, Kyleigh Becker Dearman and her husband, Kyle Dearman, Kamdyn Becker, and Cooper Becker; his mother, Dyan Watson, and stepfather, LC “Clad” Watson; sister Carrie Becker Killgo; stepbrother LC Watson and wife, Shelbi; stepsister Amanda Watson Johnson; in-laws Buck and Patsy Grimes and Sandi Parker; brothers-in-law Brandon Grimes, Kevin Slack, and wife, Pamela; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is now reunited in heaven with his father, Bill Becker; his grandparents, Maj. Gen. William A. Becker (Ret.) and Frances Carlyle Becker, Gid and Jackie Ward, and Charles Sawyer; his father-in-law, Donald Parker; and his great-uncle, Tom Ward, and great-aunt, Margaret Ward.

Though his time on earth was far too short, Casey’s legacy will live on in the hearts he touched. Our hearts ache at his absence, but we rejoice in the truth he held so dear: that death is not the end, but a glorious beginning. We take comfort in knowing that Casey has been welcomed home by his heavenly father, healed and made new.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at Community Life (c|Life) Church, located at 2918 US-175 in Kaufman, Texas. In honor of Casey’s cheerful spirit, please feel free to wear bright colors, maroon, or even camo, rather than traditional black attire.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Casey's wishes, the family invites those who would like to honor his memory to make a donation to one of the three charities close to his heart: Clays for Cara, Super Cobe Foundation, and Tunnels2Towers.