Albert John Becerra, Sr.

Albert John Becerra, Sr., age 91, of Topeka, KS, passed away in the comfort of his home on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Topeka.

He was born the son of Alfredo and Catalina (Melgoza) Becerra on March 8, 1935, in Laredo, TX. Albert’s family lived in Kansas City, MO, but while returning home from a trip to Mexico, his mother went into labor in Laredo, where Albert was born. He was raised and educated in Kansas City, attending elementary school, junior high, and high school there.

Entering the workforce at an early age, Albert eventually put his natural handyman abilities to work in the vertical transportation industry. He spent more than 36 years servicing and repairing passenger elevators and escalators, primarily with Otis Elevator Company.

On January 7, 1955, Albert married his beloved sweetheart, Sherlene Marie Rinker, in Kansas City, MO. They shared 60 years of marriage before her passing on December 17, 2015.

If something was broken or needed repaired, Albert was the man for the job. His handyman skills were evident throughout his life. Over the years, Albert purchased several homes for his family and completely remodeled them, often moving on to another home and beginning a new project. He was always willing to use his talents to help others with repairs and renovations as well.

Albert was also known for always having a joke ready and bringing smiles to those around him with his quick wit and ornery personality.

He was a proud and active member of the Arab Shrine, volunteering with the Arab Shrine Circus, making repairs around the Shrine building, and faithfully serving as a Shriner Dad. He also loved cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Albert will be remembered for his handyman talents, sense of humor, dedication to the Shrine, and above all, his deep love for his family.

Survivors include his daughter, Denise Becerra; son, Albert J. Becerra, Jr. (Ruby); eight grandchildren, Paul Wagner, Nathan Becerra (Amber), Alicia Roseberry (Naz), Nolan Becerra (Cheris), John Albert Becerra, Cacey Blackburn (Landon), Camille Becerra, and Charisse Crawford (David); as well as 25 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his three siblings, Hector Becerra (Helen), Arcelia Glass (Leon), and Alicia Muerlott; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and five siblings, Mary Lopez, Katie Lopez, Alfred Becerra, John Becerra, and Romanito Becerra.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A.M. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Albert’s memory to Hospice Support Foundation, 1175 Centre Pointe Circle, Mendota Heights, MN 55120. Contributions will be used in care of St. Croix Hospice for continued care and support.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.