Visitation Plans For Terry Wayne Becker An Extraordinary Musician Teacher, and Community Leader

Visitation Plans For Wayne Becker An Extraordinary Musician, Teacher, And Community Leader

Terry Becker passed away, surrounded by his loving family and friends, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, after a tragic bicycle accident. Everyone who knew Terry had a special bond with him. That tall, affable, talented, smiling, huggable structure of a man cared deeply for his spouse, friends, and family as well as his students, ensemble members, cast members, audiences, and colleagues; all of whom admired his sweet tenor voice and musicianship. Terry excelled in many civic and artistic endeavors bringing joy and class to our community; these include Civic Theatre, Dick Hyatt’s Musicians Club Chorus, Weak End Players, EVSC/PEF Summer Musicals, Encore Dinner Theatre, The Really Big Show, Under the Beams, and any number of local high school musicals. Terry was a brother, leader, cherished friend, and empathetic mentor to all who shared time with him. As one former student put it, “I don’t know what to say other than he was amazing. He was someone who found ways to help us find our voices, both literally and figuratively.”

About the special, unimpeachable, and ever-lasting love Terry shared with Andy, we can only say how happy we were to have basked in the love and affection they shared, and how bereft we are at Andy’s loss at this tragic moment.

Terry was born in 1948, son of Arnold E. and Bettye Marie (Pruitt) Becker. He was a 1966 graduate of Reitz High School and held a BA from Hanover College and an MA from the University of Evansville. From 1973 to 2012, he taught vocal music and directed fine and performing arts at Thompkins Middle School, North High School, and Signature School, and was director and assistant director of the EVSC All City Choir multiple times.

Terry’s extraordinary keyboard skills made him a highly sought-after pianist and organist in the Tri-State. He directed nearly 50 productions at Thompkins, North High School, and Signature School as well as music director or performer in 18 Civic Theatre productions. Additional community and professional productions include working with the University of Evansville, Reitz High School, Studio 3 Performing Arts, Brundibar, New Harmony Theater, and the 2023 musical Annie in Mt. Vernon.

Terry is survived by Andy Herbertz, his beloved spouse; Bettye Marie Becker, his mother; and by siblings, Stephen Becker (Elaine), Rex Becker (Karen), Sheila Sermersheim; and seven nieces and nephews, and many loving cousins.

A visitation for Terry will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Alexander Funeral Home-East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47714. A visitation will occur on Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 609 Southeast Second Street, Evansville, Indiana. A funeral service will occur on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 12:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 609 Southeast Second Street, Evansville, Indiana. A final resting place will occur on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Sunset Memorial Park, 1800 St. George Road, Evansville, Indiana 47711.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Signature School Evansville Music Program.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.