Shared at Dad's Service at Good Shepherd, M.V.

I did not know Mr Decker personally, but I knew the legacy beauty he left behind in Arlene and Lindsay... 
My condolences to the Decker family, for their loss of a man that has influenced generations.
My heart and prayers are with you as you look to find peace amidst the memories. 
Sally Goodall

My heart goes out to the Bob Decker's family and all those who were blessed enough to have known him. 

I am deeply saddened by his passing. I am also extremely blessed to have been one who of those who he has touched, and will always carry fond thoughts of my friend.
 
My times with Bob were always entertaining and enlightening. As much as he wanted to share whatever he learned, Bob was filled with questions, wanting to know about others. He cared, making me care even more about him.

I miss him.

He had to have been the funniest man I knew. And it made it all the more funny because he could tell the best jokes with a straight face. 
So musically talented. He played the guitar like a master and yet I think I only heard him play once. 
The heart of a lion! He loved one woman all his life. His beautiful, wonderful Esther. They are very happy together now. 
He spoke and wrote like a classical, heroic storybook character. With whit and charm, and a smile to make you feel safe and happy. A man you couldn't help but like. 

He leaves behind such beautiful memories for all of us to cherish. He leaves behind two daughters and a son that adored and honored their father. Grandchildren that were the lights of his life and his hearts delight. A sister who thought the world of her big brother, and a family of many that will hold on tight to everything he has shared with us. 

Thank you for being a part of my life. 
Love forever, 
Your great niece, 
Kendra

I cannot tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your Father. I’ve no doubt today will be one of the toughest days you’ll ever have to get through. Please know that my family and I will be there in spirit for you and your family. I think it was George S. Patton who once said “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” Much Love, Prayers and Hugs to you and yours! May God continue to give you strength!

I read some of the poems from 10 Dozen Months to one of my classes and one of my students asked if she could buy a copy. She just came to me and enthusiastically expressed how much she is enjoying Dad's poems. She said, "Your Dad's writing is so relevant and witty." Dad you're still touching high school students all these years after the many who were so fortunate to have you as their Spanish teacher... Miss you Dad.

My Father-In-Law
When I think of one of the most influential and intelligent people in our lives, I think about my father-in-law, Bob Decker, a man who loved life, had two beautiful daughters and a son. A man of quick wit and funny things to say even in the midst of something serious being discussed. He loved to go to lunch and dinner and treat family and friends and always had a big, giving, heart. ... a man who liked watching sports with his son and son-in-laws, always focusing on his Alma Mater Ohio State. ... a man who loved his sister Bev and brother Don. ...and known for having things, pictures, scriptures in memory of his beautiful wife, Esther; and also, computers, t.v.'s, musical instruments and copies of movies everywhere that he and Esther loved. ... a man who thought the world of his grandchildren. I can only hope someday I can scratch the surface of what he accomplished. I'm going to miss you Bob but will see you again someday on Heaven's Road at the River of Grace where the family will meet. Till then, I love you Bob, you're always in my heart. Your son-in-law, Jim

My dad (spoken at service)
There are certain words that come to mind when thinking about my dad. I would like to remember him with the words that I believe represent some of the qualities that remind me of him.
My dad was eloquent. We would all agree that Dad was an expert when it came to the English language, the spoken and written word. He was articulate and precise whether he was giving a speech or ordering his food at a restaurant. He never raised his voice; though, he always commanded attention. He could turn something mundane into something fascinating with his vivid descriptions. His knowledge and fluency in the Spanish language and his love of Mexican culture made it possible for him to meet my mom. There relationship was unique. They had more differences than similarities, but somehow it was a match made in heaven.
My dad was proper. Dad was well-versed in customs and formalities. He had impeccable manners and I remember his lesson on the correct way to eat soup; the spoon should move away from you instead of towards you. He appreciated when I followed his advice, but when I didn't; he seemed to overlook my mistakes. He was always meticulously dressed and clean shaven and was never without his cloth handkerchiefs. As a child, I remember asking my mom if Dad was the only person who used handkerchiefs. This was significant to me because it was my chore to iron and fold his hankies.
My dad was an admirer. Dad was an admirer of many things. He appreciated the talent of others when it came to music, theater, movies, and television programs. He was interested in the old and the new, and was proud of his vast collection of music, movies, and selection of television channels. I remember being a young teenager and for a Christmas gift he had made a recording of the radio station that I liked to listen to so that I could hear many of my favorite songs whenever I wanted. He never discouraged me from listening to the music that I liked; he instead wanted to listen to it and include it in his collection. He found great joy in sharing his interests with others and often would have a song or movie scene cued up to show us when we would arrive.
He was a connoisseur of fine foods; though, he was just as happy with an Arby's roast beef sandwich and a Jamocha shake. I know he missed my mom's enchiladas suizas and flan.
My dad was amusing. My dad had a quick wit that was sometimes unexpected. His clever remarks and facial expressions were part of his charm. Knowing my dad's sense of humor, and my fear of birds, I should not have been surprised when I pulled up in his driveway one afternoon and he told me to go inside because he had a surprise for me. His television screen was paused to the attack seen from The Birds! He was like a mischievous little boy sometimes. He always entertained us as he would open birthday, Christmas, or Father's Day gifts. Once he realized that it was something to wear, he would joke that it better be an XXL. He was a good sport as he would show off a shirt that looked more like a dress or a hat that would almost cover his whole head.
My dad was devoted. My dad was devoted to his family. He vowed to preserve my mother's memory. He began attending Shepherd of the Valley (mom's church) and he maintained her home in a way that would make her proud.
He wrote in a letter to my mom one year after she passed,
"It is comforting to know that we shall eventually share the same resting place. Until then I shall continue to visit you, and you will remain foremost in my every thought and deed."

My dad used words like Marvelous, Outstanding, Fantastic, and Magnificent to describe things, events, places, and people. I think that he was Marvelous, Outstanding, Fantastic, and Magnificent.

OBITUARY

Bob Dan Decker

16 December, 1928 – 7 November, 2011

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory

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