Charles S Decker

"Charlie" was born June 8, 1948 in Minze, Germany while his father was stationed there as an Army MP. They stayed in Germany until Charlie was four years of age, then the family of four came home to the USA. They settled on the small Decker farm in Dagonia Springs, IN. The family grew to seven children and they lived in an old log home with outdoor plumbing. Raised as a farmer and country boy, Charlie remained true to his roots, always a country boy.

At the age of 18, Charlie joined the Army and became a Vietnam Veteran, having been "in country" for a tour. He had a hard time adjusting to his "homecoming greeting" and roamed aimlessly for a while. He joined several carnivals for four years before finally returning to Indiana. He went to work at Indian Industries (Escalade Sports) and retired after 30 years.

In 1979, he went to a singles dance and met his future wife, Marilea Miller. Although the courtship was rocky, they married on April 8, 1988 and the marriage was rock solid. They were constant companions until the end, as Charlie finally found comfort and peace with Marilea at his side.

Charlie loved fishing, hunting, camping, and anything to do with nature. He did things the old fashioned way. Having grown up in a poor family, he saved everything, for everything had a use. He recycled whatever he could. He cleaned many country roadsides and counted every aluminum can he found. As he crushed them, he pulled every pull tab and put them in large jugs and counted them. When he reached over 55,000, he would cash them in and start over. His last jug has 9725 in it and was counted three times, to be sure. Metal detecting became a favorite pastime, too, although not as successful as he wanted, so he strived harder and harder. That was Charlie, a country boy trying the best he could.

Charlie loved his country and had a deep pride of the military. He joined the Evansville Army National Guard and retired after more than 20 years.

He was a life member of the American Legion where he was a past Post Commander of Pate Post 265, and past 8th District commander. He was a life member of VFW 1114 and AMVETS Post 84, 40 + 8 V471. He was a member of the honor guard of the Warrick County Veterans Memorial Club. For the past ten years, Charlie was also a member of the American Legion Post 200 after moving to Warrick County for retirement.

The people of VNA Hospice were a Godsend to Charlie and, his volunteer, Guy, became Charlie's buddy, sitting for hours talking and solving world problems. Melissa, his nurse, was Charlie's angel. We salute you both.

Charlie is preceded in death by his father, Charles Sr., and his beloved sister, Helen.

He leaves behind to follow later his wife, Marilea (Miller); his mother, Gertrud of Boonville; sister, Linda of Evansville; brothers, Philip, James and John all of Evansville, and Robert of Milton, KY.

A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Monday, September 22, 2014 at Alexander Memorial Park in Evansville with the Warrick County Veterans Memorial Club conducting military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 265, 1301 N. Fares, Evansville, IN 47711 or to Charlier Hospice Center, 610 E. Walnut, Evansville, IN 47713.