Charles Ray Decker Sr

Charles R Decker Sr. was born 10-08-1931 in Southern Texas. He was the last survivor of his line of Decker's. He always preferred to be called "Charlie". Charlie passed away at St. Mary's Hospital on May 5th 2018. The Nursing staff was superior in their care of and for Charlie.

Charlie wished to be in the Air Force but fate took him into the Army where he excelled in Firearms and Heavy Equipment maintenance.

Charlie went home to be discharged when the war broke out in 1950 and he became one of the Truman's Troops being re-enlisted for one more year. He did not intend to go to Korea, but his skills lead him there.

That winter was so cold that he had Ice forming on his fingers despite wearing gloves. There were no Winter Uniforms issued at that time so everyone got pretty cold. Charlie's position was overrun one night and they had to run for their lives. There was not enough time to grab their shoes and socks so he suffered from frozen feet for the rest of his life.

Charlie earned 2 Purple Hearts and the Combat Infantry Badge as a result of his service in Korea.

Upon his discharge he went back to Texas and found work on the Gulf Oil Rigs. That lasted for several years until he was able to own his first of two Service Stations.

When Charlie sold his stations he headed to California to be near his siblings. Both of his Siblings have since passed away.

Charlie was able to move into the Veterans Home in Barstow in January of 2017. He made many friends there among the Staff and other Residents.

Celebration of his life will be held Thursday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. at the Veterans Home of Barstow, 100 E. Veterans Parkway, Barstow, CA

In Remembrance of Charlie, Please make a Donation to a Charity of your choice in his name