Melvin Decker

"I pray that when my time comes all those who love me on this earth will wrap their arms around me and, in one final act of love, hurl my imperfect soul towards that next portal where the ones I love who have gone before me reach through and pull me toward them safely."

Beautiful words written by a beautiful man facing his own mortality. Mel lived a full, rich life surrounded by the people he loved. It was easy to love Mel because of his sweetness, sense of humor and generous heart. To say this man will be sorely missed is an understatement.

Cancer took Mel's life, but not before he said what he needed to say, did what he needed to do, felt what he needed to feel. At the moment of his death, he was with his family. He remained sweet and large-hearted to the end, wanting to stay but moving beyond the veil of this world with a grace not many of us can manage.

Mel retired from the United Stated Postal Service in 2010 after working 41 years as a mail carrier. He traveled this country from top to bottom, coast to coast, and then some. He boated, gardened, traveled, immersed himself in politics and current events, loved history and historical places, but put most of his energy into being the best husband, dad, grandfather, brother, son and friend he could be.

Mel is survived by his wife, Connie Decker, his daughters, Elizabeth Decker, Theresa Decker Westgate, Jennifer Decker Lopez, his sons, Gerald and Richard Lamitie, his sisters, Kathy Fritz and Mary Decker, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Decker, father, Ward Decker, brother, Timothy Decker, sister, Narinjan Kaur Khalsa and son, Jonathan Lamitie.