Earl John Decker

Born 'Early' to Mary & Wilbur Earl Decker in Johnstown PA, he was followed by 11 brothers and sisters to whom he was an unflappable leader, a strong protector, and the one who blazed the trail first down Hogback Hill to the 2 room schoolhouse, and then through life. He was loved as a hero by saving others from near-disaster (which he often caused), and he never lost his thrill of adventure, leading to the Decker Family Motto: "Safety Second".

The first music he heard was 'Mommy' playing the piano and singing while 'Daddy' accompanied her with the violin, and he filled every home he lived in with music. He played several instruments but his favorite was his guitar, which he used to teach Elvis how to play (an amazing accomplishment since he left Western Pennsylvania for the first time in 1957).

Earl was steadfast and bold, never frazzled and never hurried (except when driving, once earning 3 separate speeding tickets on a drive to Ocean City). He was the first call in any crisis, giving wise counsel and having firm faith in the bright side, always adding "Well at least…"

He was a hard worker and never complained, which was good when he and his wife Joan were raising their blended family of 11 kids. Their home in Columbia MD was safe haven for many, family and friends cycling through, the door always unlocked (the actual key was missing for years). But the center of his world, his heart, was Joan, and whenever he played his guitar and sang, he always chose one special song just for her and would look into her eyes as he sang it. Her death a few years after his daughter Kathy's challenged his enthusiasm for life. It took a few years and a stint as a consultant in Singapore to return it, but he came home with optimism, and stories of dining on hundred year old eggs and roasted snake.

Earl was a constant, and highly entertaining storyteller. The tales were often long, always funny, and usually contained a valuable lesson or observation. He communicated through them, taught using them, and held his large and lively family together through the memories they contained. He went to every gathering and was the life of the party, often the last to leave. His family and friends know that for him the party hasn't ended, it's just changed venue, and Joan has been there waiting.

The family will receive visitors at Witzke Funeral Home, Inc. 5555 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia MD 21045 on Wednesday 6/11/14 from 2-4 and 6-8. A funeral mass will be held at Church of the Resurrection, 3155 Paulskirk Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21042 on Thursday 6/12/14 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor Capital Campaign, www.littlesistersofthepoorbaltimore.org.