John Barnhill Decker, age 58, of Oak Park, Michigan passed away of bile duct cancer on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. John was born January 13, 1964 in Royal Oak, to the proud parents of Laurence and Joan Decker. John was the beloved husband of 21 years to Julie (Cain) Decker. He is the loving dad to Jessica Decker and Jenna Decker. John was the cherished brother to Steve (Barb) Decker, Philip (Dianne) Decker and Adelia (Guy) Gaub. John will be missed by many family and friends.
John graduated from Dondero High School in Royal Oak. He was active in orchestra and choir, including a legendary performance as one of the Blues Brothers in the annual Pops Concert. He attended the University of Michigan where he was a proud member of the Men’s Glee Club and The Friars while earning his BA. John also received his MA and Ed Specialist degrees from Wayne State University. John became a social studies teacher and spent nearly 30 years teaching at Royal Oak (Kimball) High School. He retired in June ‘21. In addition to teaching, John was a driver’s education instructor, the Stu-Co faculty advisor, and videographer for the varsity football program. John was recently inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association for his years of service to the team.
In his spare time, John loved to be at the family cottage in Howell boating, fishing, and swimming. He also enjoyed hunting, woodworking, cooking, and gardening. He had a lifelong love for Jesus and was a proud member of Church of the Redeemer, First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, and Renaissance Vineyard Church during his lifetime.
A visitation for John will be held Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and again from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 3:00 pm, at Renaissance Vineyard Church, 1841 Pinecrest Drive, Ferndale, MI 48220 followed by a reception at the church.
Interment will occur Monday, May 16, 2022 at 11:00 am at Bishop Cemetery, 15338 Township Highway 74, Arlington, OH 45840.
In lieu of flowers, John requested donations be made to Renaissance Vineyard Church.
www.edwardswansonandsonfuneralhome.com for the Decker family.
