Dr. John Petty Decker

A Celebration of Life Service for Dr. John Petty Decker, 92, of Nacogdoches will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Austin Heights Baptist Church, 2806 Appleby Sand Rd., Nacogdoches, Texas.

Dr. John Petty Decker, 92, of Nacogdoches, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018 surrounded by his family at his home in Nacogdoches. Dr. Decker was born on August 16, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, one of two sons of the late William L. Decker and Edmonia Petty Decker.

Dr. Decker was a veteran of WWII where he served in the Army in southern France and later in the occupation of Germany until 1946. After the war he returned to school starting at the University of Arkansas where he received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and ultimately received his Ph.D. in Physics from Texas A&M University. He taught at Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University before moving to Nacogdoches in 1965 where he served as the Chairman of the Physics Department at Stephen F. Austin State University for many years prior to his retirement. During his time as Chairman of the Department, he assisted in the design of the new Miller Science Building and with the help of a supportive Administration and the addition of several excellent, dedicated, and hard working fellow professors, the department quickly became one of the premier Physics Departments in the State of Texas offering a Masters Degree in Physics. During this same time period the new Astronomy Program was created and the construction of the SFA Observatory was begun. He was also instrumental in obtaining for the department a large amount of government surplus equipment which was used by both students and faculty in research labs and classrooms.

Shortly after returning from WWII, Dr. Decker joined the church choir while working in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and there he met Florence Marguerite Stanley who was the church organist. They were married on May 2, 1951. He and his wife Florence shared many common interests including music and church activities. Most importantly was their love of God and service to the Lord. They have been lifelong members and lay workers at various Baptist Churches throughout their entire lives. They were one of the founding families of Austin Heights Baptist Church in Nacogdoches where they have been members for over 50 years. They both served in numerous volunteer capacities at the churches they attended their entire lives.

He loved music and was also an accomplished musician who could play a number of different instruments, his favorite being the piano. Early on in his adult life he studied piano and played in stage bands and combos, and was active in numerous student religious activities. He served as a church musician and choir director for most of his life. He was a long time member and director of the Timbertones, the Nacogdoches chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (SPEBSQSA). He was also a Life Member of the Kiwanis Club and started the SFA ham radio club.

He was a devoted Husband and Father. He is survived by Florence his wife of 67 years. During the last several years of his life, Dr. Decker tirelessly looked after and cared for her as her health declined. He is also survived by his two sons, Stan Decker (Nancy Falk) of Houston and John Decker of Nacogdoches. He was preceded in death by one brother, William (Bill) Decker.

Visitation will be held at Austin Heights Baptist Church located at 2806 Appleby Sand Road from 1:00 to 2:00 with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 2:00. A brief reception will be held immediately after the service at the church parlor. Interment by the family will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. Honorary Pall Bearers will be the former and current faculty and staff of the SFA Physics Department.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Austin Heights Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.