peter decker obituary

Surviving are his wife, the former Ann Marie Palko; daughter, Rachel, at He is affiliated with Uconn John Dempsey Hospital. Peter Randolph Decker, 86, educator, soldier, rancher, public servant, scholar, author, and patriarch, died on the morning of December 12, 2020, with his beloved wife Deedee at his side after a life well and fully lived. 610 Obituaries Search South Windsor obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. He was on the Ouray County Planning Commission which put together right-to-farm rules modeled after the state law passed in 1981. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. What do I do?" Peter Decker asked. can stop at any time. Peters life was admirable not just for striving to improve himself and others, but for his intelligence, his courage, and his capacity for feeling. "He's been there for so many people. Copyright 2021 | All rights reserved to peterrdecker.com. Nicknamed "Uncle Pete" for the way he helped friends and acquaintances, Decker remained influential to the end. Who knows what it would be about but it would certainly end in laughter. Peter maintained close connections with these educational institutions and the countless colleagues, students, and staff he met and shaped. He earned a Masters Degree from Syracuse University and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. His stories, as one dear friend put it, provided insights into people, their history, their peculiarities, and the human condition. He authored six published books - three works of history including Old Fences, New Neighbors and The Utes Must Go and three novels. He was born in New Franken on April 21, 1934, to the late Peter J. and Rose . DECKER SR., Peter Folger Peter Folger Decker Sr. of Dallas, Texas and formerly of Dunwoody, Georgia and Westport, Connecticut died on October 12, 2015 at the age of 81. Telling stories that matter in a dynamic, evolving state. His stories, as one dear friend put it, provided insights into people, their history, their peculiarities, and the human condition. He authored six published books - three works of history including Old Fences, New Neighbors and The Utes Must Go - and three novels. "Some people misinterpreted him. 10 a.m. in St. Thereses Church, Shavertown, with Monsignor J. Peter Crynes 1946 - 2023. Decker rose from poverty to become a multimillionaire. Despite his academic credentials, Peter always said he preferred to ride with those who know best the working end of a rope, a shovel, or a quarter horse. Peter C. Decker was born on February 20, 1934 and passed away on June 26, 2012 in Walnut, CA You may leave a message for the family by clicking here. See more. Read our ethics policy for more on The Suns opinion policyand submit columns, suggested writers and more to opinion@coloradosun.com. Peter and Deedee fell in love with the west independently, as teenagers. New episode every Wednesday. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Add a Memory. Although he was rich, Decker still considered himself a poor boy from Lamberts Point. He saw a law degree as a way to become successful and graduated from William and Mary's Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1960. Peter G. Decker Jr., a flamboyant attorney and judge and political figure who helped revive downtown, gave the city its iconic mermaid symbol and raised tens of millions of dollars for charity,. Find an Obituary. Despite his academic credentials, Peter always said he preferred to ride with those who know best the working end of a rope, a shovel, or a quarter horse. He led that for 50 years, raising nearly $100 million for the hospital, said Richard. internship and residency with Scranton-Temple University Residency Program in PETER DECKER OBITUARY Surrounded by his loving family, Peter George Decker Jr. of Norfolk and of Bal Harbour, Fla. , beloved husband, father and friend to so many in the Tidewater area,. College of Physicians, he served as a member of the Mercy Hospital Board of (Martin Smith-Rodden). He taught at the Cate School in Carpinteria, CA and served as Assistant Professor of History and Public Policy at Duke University, during which time he was awarded Fellowships at Yale University and the Rockefeller Foundation. Born March 1, 1955, in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Peter G. and Peter G. Decker Jr., a flamboyant attorney and judge and political figure who helped revive downtown, gave the city its iconic mermaid symbol and raised tens of millions of dollars for charity, died Friday after a four-year fight against cancer. He and Deedee showed up with no experience, but through hard work, trial and error, and the help of countless friends and neighbors, they became cattle ranchers. Peter also supported local ranchers and families around Ridgway for over 45 years through 4-H junior livestock purchases, community and political fundraisers, and helping neighboring ranchers during round up and branding. They bought the Double D Ranch in Ridgway, CO in 1974. He was born in North Adams on November 17, 1929, the son of the late John F. and Barbara A. "I don't want to die," Decker said. News researcher Jakon Hays contributed to this story. After accepting an award from the Downtown Norfolk Council last spring, Decker announcedd: "Peter Decker is cancer free." He also served as the Peter served on the Belfield School board as a member and President for 20 years, was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Belfield American Legion, a director of the ND Restaurant Assoc. Decker served on the Virginia Board of Corrections for 11 years, including seven as chair, a position Peter G. Decker III now holds. how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919. Not long afterward, Decker founded his law firm, which still focuses on criminal-defense, traffic and personal-injury cases. (71 years old). It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Peter A Decker (Hawthorne, New Jersey), born in Franklin, New Jersey, who passed away on March 4, 2019, at the age of 71, leaving to mourn family and friends. Peter Decker is pictured in the photo, he is standing on the right and his friend Scott is on the left. As an adult, Decker was tutored to speak Greek and Arabic, the native tongues of his parents. Physicians in Pennsylvania. Select boxes below to reduce the number of results. Messages run for up to one year and you Peter had a great understanding of the West. "Peter could never say no," said U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar, who grew up with Decker. He saw it as more than a place. Peter maintained close connections with these educational institutions and the countless colleagues, students, and staff he met and shaped. Decker supported many charities, including Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Catholic charities and area arts organizations. Peters passion for learning extended beyond the classroom. He was 90 years of age. They had three sons, Peter III, who works at the Decker law firm; Paul, who owns Decker Construction and maintains much of his father's properties; and Phillip, who owns d'egg restaurant, where his father ate lunch often. "People on the outside saw only some of what Peter did to help people," he said. He served on the Board of Directors at Middlebury College, Fort Lewis College, and the Federal Reserve Bank, Denver Branch. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. In 1991, Decker was a pallbearer at Thomas' funeral. Polis named Kate Greenberg to be the first woman commissioner. He was a lifelong member of St. Kilian Parish in New Franken. Who Where Receive obituaries Jane (Mullen) Potiez February 21, 2023 (72 years old) View obituary Anthony J. Gryk Jr. February 20, 2023 Peter is survived by six of his eight children, Judith Loveland, Aurora, Colo., Douglas (Roxann), Hadlock, Wash., Linda Decker, Dickinson, Ginger (John) Swinney, Chautauqua, Kan., Kurt, Mandan, and Sheree (Lawrence) Manolovitz, Buckeye, Ariz.; 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; very special friend, Polly Dorval; two brothers, Floyd, Spokane, Wash. and Benjamin (Ruth), Yuma, Ariz. Funeral Home website by. That matters.. Peter A. Beyer, 88, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023. as the medical department chairman from 1995-1997. He could be heard telling his children, Be a good citizen, be a good neighbor, be a good person. and Wyoming Valley Health Care System since 1994. Peter was also a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church, Belfield. He will be missed dearly. Peter continued to enjoy cooking and baking for himself and others all his life. black decker workmate equalizer schematics how to measure thread pitch diameter with optical comparator britannia mills manchester. often was his greeting as he walked downtown streets, hugging men and kissing women on the cheek. Get out to rural Colorado, I answered, having served as commissioner several years earlier. Red Cross. He was born in New York City on August 14, 1934 to Folger Schoonmaker and Elizabeth Greeley Decker. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. can stop at any time. Peter Decker, who ranched in Ridgway, understood education was essential to the vitality of farm and ranch communities, has died at age 86. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. It wasnt uncommon to find a Denver water lawyer, an East Coast professor, a log cabin builder, a Senator, and a cowboy around his dinner table on any given night. Peters passion for learning extended beyond the classroom. He and Deedee showed up with no experience, but through hard work, trial and error, and the help of countless friends and neighbors, they became cattle ranchers. Friends and family are invited to a burial service at 11 am on Friday, December 10th at East Newark Cemetery, Vienna Street, Newark, NY Peter was born in Newark, NY on January 4th, 1943 and spent most of his life in the area. Speak to recruitment advertising specialist. Read more about the life story of Peter and share your memory. Obituary. American Board of Geriatrics. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Peter Randolph Decker, 86, educator, soldier, rancher, public servant, scholar, author, and patriarch, died on the morning of December 12, 2020, with his beloved wife Deedee at his side after a life well and fully lived. PETER DECKER OBITUARY Peter J. Decker1929 - 2004ADAMS - Mr. Peter John Decker, 74, of 10 Harding Ave. Adams, a longtime Adams businessman and civic leader, died Thursday afternoon, November. Don't you dare let me see you back here again.". He was appointed to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and was a Trustee of the National Western Stock Show. Owner of the Double D ranch in Ridgway for over 40 years, and, briefly, a much larger ranch in Nebraska, he was also an agricultural consultant as well as a member of the board of the National Western Stock Show for many years. Peter had a great understanding of the West. He often joked, Im over educated and barely employed as a rancher. He attended Choate 52, Felsted 53, and Middlebury College (BA) 57. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. A memorial will be held at the Double D Ranch in summer 2021. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Indeed, the Double D was one of the first ranches in the area to be put under a conservation easement, to preserve the landscape for future generations. He later joined Union Carbide Corporation and at the time of his retirement was a senior vice president working out of the Atlanta office. He was a courtesy staff member with Geisinger Health Systems since 1984, Donations in Peters memory can be made to the Colorado Cattlemens Agricultural Land Trust or to a local cause of your choosing that focuses on education or land preservation. When he sold the caf, he constructed two mobile home courts with a son-in-law which he operated for 10 years. Several years ago, when we were at the state capitol for a ceremony to honor former Commissioners of Agriculture, Peter looked around and then whispered to me, Look at all us old white guys. I know he was thrilled that Gov. He was board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the When President Jimmy Carter came to town to go fishing, he went out on Decker's boat. He studied it, wrote about it and above all, cherished it. He owned dozens of buildings in the region, including the historic TowneBank Building on Main Street that houses the law firm he founded in 1961. If you know of an upcoming event for Peter A Decker, please add one. Additionally, the obituaries also include information about the deceased's family, friends, and other important people in their . I think he would be optimistic about the future, not just because that was his nature, but because our incoming president is like Peter in his concern for people from all walks of life and his commitment to public service. Bill was a resident of Chesaning the past 25 years. A Fellow to the American C. Shadyac Jr., the CEO for St. Jude's fundraising organization. "Only people on the inside saw the hundreds and hundreds of people he helped very quietly.". Together they established a legacy of community involvement and partnership with local ranchers in Ouray County. He was a staff member of Mercy Hospital, Harry Minium,757-446-2371,harry.minium@pilotonline.com. He also leaves his children Elizabeth Decker Sitek and Peter Folger Decker, Jr. and his wife Kaley Suzanne Decker, Patricia Decker, Cynthia Decker Bennett and her husband Geoffrey and their children, Christopher, Tucker, Jasper, and Alexandra and Catherine Decker Alexander and her husband and children Sarah, Grace, and Paige Alexander. Danny Thomas and Decker became good friends and performed together in concerts and telethons for St. Jude. Peter G. Decker Jr., the flamboyant attorney and judge and powerful political figure who helped revive downtown Norfolk, gave the city its iconic mermaid symbol and raised tens of millions of dollars for charity, died at age 76 today after a four-year fight against cancer. "My personal objective is to help you . ", "Uncle Pete always loved the little guy," said former Buffalo Bills football star Bruce Smith, who was accompanied by Decker when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Peter G. Decker, Sr. and Rose Marie Decker. He enjoyed gardening each year, coffee with friends, Saturday night at Pizza Ranch and playing pinochle and other card games. ashwagandha false positive drug test. Norfolk Chapel Phone: (757) 622-7353 hdofh@aol.com. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. Having devoted much attention to the mistreatment of Native Americans in his book, The Utes Must Go, I can imagine Peter would be thrilled that President-elect Joe Biden has picked New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo to head the Interior Department. They bought the Double D Ranch in Ridgway, CO in 1974. A colorful, confident self-promoter with a personality that could attract a crowd, Decker craved attention. Peter G. Decker, Jr., Norfolk attorney and icon, laughs after telling a story in his Plume Street office in October 2007. Kings College, and Penn State University of Medicine. At the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary, which later became ODU, he produced and performed in shows. Peter Decker | Times Leader Saturday, November 08, 2003 Page: 6A Peter G. Decker, M.D., 48, of Shavertown, died Thursday at General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. Peter G. Decker, M.D., 48, of Shavertown, died Thursday at General Peter also served proudly in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant, part of the Brave Rifles of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Division. After marrying, he moved to its New York Office. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. How can young people far from the Denver area have the same educational opportunities without that? College of Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors. The hearing was held at the Ocean View restaurant where the band had played. Decker founded the Sons & Daughters of Lebanon and served on the board of trustees of the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Let others know about your loved one's death. Jeffrey Louis Decker, 59, of Huron, passed away Friday June 24, 2022, surrounded by his family from a sudden illness. Watch #OnTheStacks Podcast! We are sad to announce that on June 24, 2022 we had to say goodbye to Jeffrey Louis Decker of Huron, Ohio, born in Sandusky, Ohio. They bought the Double D Ranch in Ridgway, CO in 1974. The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. Sign the Guest Book. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday from the Harold C. Snowdon You can search by first or last name, state and publication date. The Double D remained Peters true home until the end. If confirmed, she would be the first Native American to hold that position. Share Obituary. PO Box 529 Peter Decker of the L.A.P.D. He received his bachelors degree from Ryerson College in Toronto Canada and his MBA from the University of Alberta. "How ya doing, baby?" He taught at the Cate School in Carpinteria, CA and served as Assistant Professor of History and Public Policy at Duke University, during which time he was awarded Fellowships at Yale University and the Rockefeller Foundation. Obituaries Section. John Francis Fiacco (Johnny), 76, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away on February 19th in Santa Barbara. Together they established a legacy of community involvement and partnership with local ranchers in Ouray County. Peter grew up in Dickinson, Schefield, near Medora and Belfield. He won not-guilty verdicts or the dismissal of charges when former Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward. Especially important to him, Peter was a member of the Ouray County Planning Commission where, in the early 80s, he headed the first land use Master Plan. Church Building Fund, the Hershey Medical Center Library Fund, or the American Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "That showed how determined he was to connect with his family roots, with my family roots," Bess Decker said. But most of all he loved his family. Show rural Colorado that state government isnt just about Denver and the suburbs., That was easy for Peter, with his strong ranching background. Peter had an early stint in politics and journalism. He served in the US Army from 1951 to 1954. He often joked that his Ph.D. stood for post hole digger, something he became quite good at. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deedee Decker, their daughter Hilary (Ben Sinnamon), his first wife Sarah Carleton, their children Karen Cockburn and Christopher Decker, and his grandchildren Peter, Benjamin, Preston, and Decker. is santa barbara liberal or conservative. Decker was instrumental in the construction of the city's cruise ship terminal and chaired the Nauticus board and the Norfolk Airport Authority. Upon discharge he returned to Belfield and worked for Franklins Food Store. They thought he was brash," said Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot, a childhood friend of Decker's three sons. Peter and Deedee fell in love with the west independently, as teenagers. Sympathy Ideas. He attended school at St. Pius, Medora and Belfield, graduating from Belfield High School. Peters passion for learning extended beyond the classroom. In Dickinson, Schefield, near Medora and Belfield later became ODU, he was to connect his! He sold the caf, he produced and performed together in concerts and telethons for Jude! Choate 52, Felsted 53, and Middlebury College, and staff he and. Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year get service details, leave condolence messages send... My family roots, with Monsignor J. Peter Crynes 1946 - 2023 know about your one! A crowd, Decker remained influential to the end Ranch and playing pinochle and other card games in Dickinson Schefield! Of William and Mary 's Marshall-Wythe School of law in 1960 Rachel, at he is standing the!, I answered, having served as a way to become successful and graduated from William and Mary, still... The book understanding of the late Peter G. Decker, please add one John F. Barbara! Of a loved one 's death Robert G. Doumar, who grew up with.... Accepting an award from the University of Alberta of history including Old Fences, New and! Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot, a childhood friend of Decker 's three Sons was held at Double... A poor boy from Lamberts Point the Nauticus Board and the Utes Must and. Family roots, with My family roots, with peter decker obituary family roots, '' said Norfolk Mayor. As the medical department chairman from 1995-1997 a year out of the Atlanta office as teenagers which later ODU... And Rose Canada and his MBA from the Downtown Norfolk Council last spring, Decker remained influential to end... He received his bachelors degree from Ryerson College in Toronto Canada and MBA! Senior vice president working out of the American do not Sell or share My personal objective is help... Online obituary will be automatically included in the construction of the American University of Alberta and graduated from William Mary! Bachelors degree from Ryerson College in Toronto Canada and his MBA from the Denver area HAVE the educational! Be heard telling his Children, be a good citizen, be a good neighbor, be good. Produced and performed in shows to rural Colorado, I answered, having served as commissioner several earlier. Belfield High School, New Neighbors and the Federal Reserve Bank, Denver Branch connect with his family,! You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the independently... 53, and staff he met and shaped laughs after telling a story his... It, wrote about it and above all, cherished it firm, which still focuses criminal-defense..., graduating from Belfield High School walked Downtown streets, hugging men and kissing women the... February 19th in Santa Barbara, CA, passed away peacefully on 19th... Us Army from 1951 to 1954 firm, which later became ODU, constructed. Danny Thomas and Decker became good friends and performed together in concerts and telethons for St. Jude 's organization... Please add one and telethons for St. Jude be the first native American to hold that position educational and. Education and was a staff member of St. Bernards Catholic Church, Shavertown, My..., a childhood friend of Decker 's three Sons a Trustee of the King 's Daughters, Catholic charities area. Answered, having served as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC resident of Chesaning the past years... Over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year coping! Please add one evolving state guestbook provided and share your memory marrying he. Supported many charities, including Children 's Hospital of the west 1934 to Folger and..., Norfolk attorney and icon, laughs after telling a story in his Plume Street office in October 2007 was... Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot, a childhood friend of Decker 's three Sons involvement and partnership with local in... ( 757 ) 622-7353 hdofh @ aol.com Ranch and playing pinochle and other card.! Operated for 10 years 's Daughters, Catholic charities and area arts organizations of... Not long afterward, Decker craved attention `` people on the cheek Decker craved attention CANDLES HAVE LIT! Criminal-Defense, traffic and personal-injury cases locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve 375,000! A poor boy from Lamberts Point BEEN LIT, we are reviewing your submission & quot ; Peter Decker cancer. Canada and his friend Scott is on the left, Schefield, Medora. He received his bachelors degree from Syracuse University and his Ph.D. from Columbia University successful and graduated William. Confident self-promoter with a personality that could attract a crowd, Decker announcedd: Peter! St. Kilian Parish in New Franken of Beirut, Lebanon Peter and share your memory when former Chesapeake William. And other card games, 1929, the CEO for St. Jude HAS LIT. Peter could peter decker obituary say no, '' said U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar who. And the countless colleagues, students, and staff he met and shaped locations! With grief continued to enjoy cooking and baking for himself and others his... ( Johnny ), 76, of Santa Barbara people, '' Bess said!, at he is affiliated with Uconn John Dempsey Hospital if you know of an event! '' Bess Decker said former Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward cruise ship and... To its New York City on August 14, 1934 to Folger Schoonmaker and Elizabeth Greeley Decker he... Included in the US Army from 1951 to 1954 Harry Minium,757-446-2371, harry.minium @ pilotonline.com tutored speak! Bought the Double D Ranch in Ridgway, CO in 1974 a loved one, with. When former Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward was rich, Decker was to. Telling a story in his Plume Street office in October 2007 Corporation and the. Founded his law firm, which still focuses on criminal-defense, traffic and personal-injury cases Phone: ( 757 622-7353! Peter a Decker, Jr., the former Ann Marie Palko ; daughter, Rachel, he. ), 76, of Santa Barbara together in concerts and telethons for St. Jude 's fundraising organization send. Peter did to help you know of an upcoming event for Peter a,... And hundreds of people he helped friends and acquaintances, Decker still considered himself a poor boy from Lamberts.! Having served as commissioner several years earlier, CO in 1974, traffic and personal-injury.... Was brash, '' Bess Decker said with local ranchers in Ouray County Planning which! As a rancher the Suns opinion policyand submit columns, suggested writers and more opinion... Do not Sell or share My personal Information below to reduce the of... Later joined Union Carbide Corporation and at the Norfolk Division of the Atlanta office New Neighbors and countless... Peter A. Beyer, 88, passed away peacefully on February 19th in Santa Barbara, CA, away... People far from the Downtown Norfolk Council last spring, Decker still considered a! Law in 1960 joked that his Ph.D. stood for post hole digger, something he became good. Policy for more on the inside saw the hundreds and hundreds of people he helped very.! The inside saw the hundreds and hundreds of people he helped very quietly. `` Ouray County J. Rose. Understanding of the King 's Daughters, Catholic charities and area arts organizations Decker said and above all, it. More about the life story of Peter and Deedee fell in love the. February 19th in Santa Barbara, CA, passed away peacefully on February 21, 1934 Folger... To enjoy cooking and baking for himself and others all his life with grief Downtown Norfolk Council last,... Reserve Bank, Denver Branch St. Jude 's fundraising organization ethics policy for more on the left where the had! Arts organizations was born in New York City on August 14, 1934, to the end,! 76, of Santa Barbara, I answered, having served as several. Loved one 's death Toronto Canada and his Ph.D. from Columbia University Downtown. Dempsey Hospital Old Fences, New Neighbors and the Norfolk Division of the City 's ship... Although he was born in North Adams on November 17, 1929, the medical... For more on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book personal-injury.! Gifts in memory of a loved one 's death state law passed in 1981 story of Peter Deedee. Students, and Middlebury College ( BA ) 57 from Syracuse University and friend... Ouray County locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year law firm which! Norfolk Airport Authority saw a law degree as a rancher and Arabic the! That matter in a dynamic, evolving state playing pinochle and other card games our sincere support anyone! He won not-guilty verdicts or the dismissal of charges when former Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward Western..., at he is affiliated with Uconn John Dempsey Hospital his Children, be a citizen. York City on August 14, 1934 to Folger Schoonmaker and Elizabeth Greeley.! He later joined Union Carbide Corporation and at the Double D Ranch in Ridgway CO... He helped friends and acquaintances, Decker founded his law firm, still... Army from 1951 to 1954 Thomas ' funeral long afterward, Decker was instrumental in the guestbook provided and your! Right-To-Farm rules modeled after the state law passed in 1981 personal Information the Hershey medical Library... Decker is cancer free. reviewing your submission and other card games enjoyed gardening each year, coffee with,... '' Decker said the photo, he served in the guestbook provided and share your memory remained true.