Eugene Thomas Decker

Our beloved daddy, grandpa, papa, great papa, brother, and uncle went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2021 at the age of 96 yrs. Eugene “Gene” Thomas Decker was born September 30, 1924 to William Henry and Elizabeth Louise Decker in Henry, NE. After graduating from Bridgeport High School in 1942, Gene enlisted in the Marine Corp with his older brother, John Edward Decker. His oldest brother, William Robert Decker was already serving in World War II. Gene served in the Pacific from 1943-1945 as a machine gunner and was a Purple Heart recipient. After returning from World War II and while stationed in California, Gene met and later married Barbara Jean Williams of Santa Ana, California June 19, 1946. In 1950, Gene and Barbara relocated to Santa Ana, CA where he worked for Conville Plastering and they raised their three daughters and one son until Barbara’s sudden passing in January, 1977. Gene met and married De Deckert in August of 1978 and they were married until her passing in 1996. Gene eventually retired to Prescott, AZ and in 2009 moved in with his daughter, Barbara and son-in-law, Travis in Mint Hill, NC where he remained until his passing.

Gene was an avid reader, loved to bowl, play cards and watch sports.

Gene is survived by his daughters, Barbara K. Verble (Travis) of Mint Hill, NC; Jane E. Boos (John) of San Clemente, CA; Nancy J. Fleener (Marshall) of San Antonio, TX, and son, Lee A. Decker of Colorado. His grandchildren include Nanci Snell (Ron), Charlotte, NC; John Boos (Nicole), Mission Viejo, CA; Noelle Butler (Frank), Oceanside, CA; Matt Fleener (Julia), College Station, TX, and Jeff Fleener (Katy), San Antonio, TX. He will also be missed by his 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by his 2 sisters, Kathleen Walker of Hermiston, OR, and Eleanor Dean (Harry/Barney) of Bridgeport, NE.

Eugene will be laid to rest in Bridgeport, NE with military honors following a service at First Baptist Church on Monday, May 17th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Ave, Charlotte, NC 28247.