Kay Co., OK - Obits: Clyde McKee ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Shelley Lynch USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** BECKER -- Clyde McKee, of Ponca City, died Wednesday, October 4, 2006. Clyde was born July 2, 1928, in Chickasha, OK, the youngest of eight siblings to Clyde M. Becker, a prominent early Oklahoma Geologist, and Bessie Gray Becker. Anxious to join his older brothers in the war effort, he graduated early from Chickasha High School and joined the Army in early 1945, where he was stationed in Okinawa in the aftermath of World War II. Upon his discharge in December 1947, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, earning a B.S. in Geology in 1951, as his 5 older brothers had before him, and as his son did after him. Clyde lost his father in 1938, when he was 10 years old and his 2 sisters, Laura and Margaret, died in childhood. Of the 6 surviving brothers, 5 were Petroleum Geologists. His oldest brother, Fred returned to medical school after the death of Mr. Becker. Clyde's brothers, Fred, Ted and Bob preceded him in death. Upon graduation, Clyde went to work for Anderson-Prichard Oil (APCO) in Oklahoma City, where he was introduced to Anita Ortman of Cotter, AR, by her brother-in-law, Charles M. Heard, who worked with Clyde at APCO. Clyde and Anita were married on August 1, 1953. Their union produced 3 children, Clyde, Jr., Sally and Susan. In 1962, Clyde became an Independent Geologist and Operator, concentrating his work primarily in Kay County, OK and Cowley County, KS. He was responsible for numerous oil and gas discoveries in both states. The Becker family moved from Oklahoma City to Ponca City in 1969, closer to Clyde's area of exploration and production work. In the late 70's, he took up the sport of golf, playing regularly up until two weeks before his death. In 2001, Clyde funded the Clyde M. Becker Endowed Chair in Geology and Geophysics at the University of Oklahoma in honor of his father. He was a longtime member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Oklahoma City Geological Society, Kansas Geological Society, Rotary Club, and various other civic groups. He was a founding board member of the Opportunity Center Foundation and was Director-Emeritus of Eastman National Bank. Clyde is survived by: his wife, Anita; his children, Clyde Jr. and wife, Pam of Evergreen, CO, Sally Wells and husband, Howard of Ponca City, Susan Phillips and husband, Bill of Monterey, CA; 7 grandchildren, Julia, Ross and Wade Becker, Chris and wife, Stephanie Wells and Susan Wells, Thomas and Erin Phillips; as well as 1 great-grandchild, who is expected in February of next year; brothers, Phillip and Donald of Midland, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 7 , 2006, at First United Methodist Church, 200 S. 6th, Ponca City. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Clyde and Anita Becker Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1150, Ponca City, OK 74602, the Ponca City Opportunity Center Foundation, 2225 N. Union, Ponca City, OK 74601 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1075 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO 70204. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home and Crematory, (580) 765-4411. Published in the Tulsa World on 10/6/2006.