Paul “Rooster” Becherer, 72, of St. Louis died May 18, 2024, at his home. Mr. Becherer was raised in Pevely and graduated from Herculaneum High School in 1969. He served in the U.S. Navy, where he met his first wife and late-in-life friend, Michele. After leaving the Navy, he became a mechanical engineer. He later retired at age 69. He resided in Jefferson County most of his life but moved to St. Louis in his final years to be closer to family. Throughout his life he loved cooking, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and listening to rock n' roll. He felt strongly about social justice issues and instilled in his children an acceptance of all races, nationalities and belief systems. Born Dec. 16, 1951, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Helen Severs and Harold Becherer.
He is survived by three children: Danielle (Mike) Dettmer of Wichita, Kan. Nick (Jennifer Boudreau) Becherer of St. Louis and Karen (JJ) Hamon of St. Louis; three siblings: Richard Becherer of Festus, Pamela Welsh of St. Louis and Eileen (Paul) Fricke of Festus; five grandchildren: Lucas Schultz of St. Charles, Greta and Sully Becherer of St. Louis and Juniper and Wendell Hamon of St. Louis; an ex-wife and friend: Michele (Butler) Christopher of Festus; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by three siblings: Robert Becherer, Dave Becherer and Diane Sutton; and a nephew: Joshua Welsh.
Mr. Becherer was cremated. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.