Michael W. Becker

Michael W. Becker, age 82, of Clare, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November. 19, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Michael’s life was one of service, dedication, and deep love for his family and community.

He was born on July 21, 1943, in Detroit and was adopted by Wilson and Margaret M. (Bailey) Becker. As a child he developed polio and the family moved to the Clare/Harrison area where he graduated in 1962 from Harrison High School. Michael married the former Sheila Kay King on March 5, 1966, and Sheila preceded him in death on March 7, 2011. Michael served in the US Air Force during the mid-1960’s. Upon returning to Mid-Michigan, Mike worked a brief career in manufacturing but soon felt the calling to serve in law enforcement. He was hired by Chief Elry Tice as a police officer with the Clare City Police Department and served as Sergeant for two prior Chiefs of Police before being appointed to the position of Chief of Police, where his leadership was marked by deep commitment to his community for many years and he humbly and faithfully served until Multiple Sclerosis and post-polio forced his retirement in June 1986. He then developed heart issues and could only transfer himself. He supported the Amish community for over 20 years and truly enjoyed being a driver for them. Mike was also extremely civic-minded and felt having these health challenges enabled him to help others overcome their own life challenges.

He had been a member of the Clare Optimist Club, The Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge, The Knights Templar, had been instrumental in founding the annual Police Olympics receiving the Vince Lombardi Award for Excellence Beyond the Norm as well as becoming a registered Girl Scout where he supported his daughters achievements and earned the Michigan Appreciation Award for organizing the Girl Scout Olympics across 16 Michigan counties. In addition, he was a huge supporter of the Big Brothers-Big Sisters Program. Mike and Sheila had also Foster Parented and were International Foreign Exchange Program Parents. His faith as a devout Christian was a cornerstone of his Life and he was a proud, longtime member of the Clare Christ Fellowship Church. Michael was unafraid to speak the sacred names of Jehovah and His son, Jesus, always proclaiming his love for them and for those he encountered. A gifted writer, Michael had published a collection of poetry “Words Not Bullets” that he had written sharing his wisdom, philosophy of peace for the world. Michael loved to oil paint and sketch in pencil and charcoal.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Cheylene and husband Robert Varto of Novi, and his two grandchildren, Kira and Cole. He had met his birth family later in his life and formed strong bonds with them. He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Dorothy Hemminger and survived by his birth sibling, Cherrill Hemminger, Daniel Hemminger, Randal Hemminger, Brenda Goss and Richard Hemminger. His devoted girlfriend, Carole with an “E” and his best friend, Sam Sellers, remained by his side through his final days. Along with his wife, Sheila, Michael was preceded in death by his parents. Michael’s legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew him. His parting words are “God loves you and so do I”.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 1:00 p.m. at the Clare Christ Fellowship, 3260 Colonville Rd. (near the corner of Grant Ave. and Colonville). Friends are invited to meet with his family at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Monday, November 24, from 2-4 p.m. and 6- 8 p.m. Masonic Lodge rites will be held on Monday at 7:30. There will also be a time of visiting at the Church on Tuesday from Noon until 1:00. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to: St. Jude’s Hospital, the Joshua House or Clare Christ Fellowship. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com.