Melvin Wallace Decker

Surrounded by his five sons, Melvin Wallace Decker passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the age of 87 years. He was born on March 6, 1937, in Sparks, Oklahoma to Charles W. and Bonnie M. Decker. The youngest of five siblings, he graduated from Meeker High School in 1955. He attended Central State College earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. He earned his master’s degree in secondary education at the University of Oklahoma. Melvin began his teaching career in the Mid-Del School District, teaching at Del City Elementary for six years.

On October 23, 1958, he married Sheryl Joyce Holmes of Edmond, Oklahoma. Sheryl was also a teacher. Melvin and Sheryl would go on to raise five sons, Ron, Randy, Kevin, Kreg, and Spence. They would also be the proud grandparents of 17 grandchildren as well as 15 (and counting) great grandchildren. They were longtime members of Faith Tabernacle (OKC) until 1994 when they moved to Edmond and began attending Spring Creek Assembly of God. Melvin and Sheryl would be married for 44 years, until Sheryl’s passing in October of 2003.

During Melvin’s time as a teacher, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase what became the Melvin Decker Insurance Agency, one of the largest independent agencies in Eastern Oklahoma county. He also had numerous real estate investments and as his business grew, he made the decision to stop teaching and go full-time six years later. In 1972, he would add a retail business, Decker & Sons TV and later expanded it to add appliances, ultimately expanding to two stores in the Mid-Del area. He would own and manage these businesses for over 30 years.

Melvin was a leader in the Midwest City/Del City community for many years, serving on the Mid-Del School Board for more than a dozen years and as a long-time member of the Rotary Club. He was a great motivator of kids and coached at Del City Elementary, as well as many of his son’s teams over the years. He knew how to get the best out of his sons, other students, and athletes of all ages that he would teach and coach.

He returned to teaching in the 1990’s and taught at Classen 5th Grade Center (OKC) and Willowbrook Elementary (OKC) until he retired to care for Sheryl, whose health was failing. Sheryl passed away in October of 2003. He met and married Sharon Ann Warn in September of 2004 and they celebrated 20 years of marriage last fall and have enjoyed sharing in the addition of Sharon’s 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Melvin was a man of faith. Being the son of a pastor, he spent his life serving Christ and setting an example for his family. He had a way of connecting with people and making them feel special. Even in his short time at the Veraden Senior Living Center, he continued to establish relationships with the other residents and staff there.

Melvin’s family, and especially his sons, were his pride and joy. If they were doing something, he was there. He traveled far and wide to attend athletic games, musical contests, and other events for his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed the monthly breakfasts with his sons at Around the Corner Restaurant in Edmond for almost 25 years.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Sheryl. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Warn Decker and five sons: Ron and wife Beth of Edmond, Randy and wife Anne of Edmond, Kevin and wife Michelle of Edmond, Kreg and wife Kim of Edmond, Spence and wife Melissa of Edmond, 17 grandchildren, J. Michael, Charlie, Patrick, Robert, Kate, Sarah, Will, Lauren, Brandon, Reagan, McKennan, Alie, Kasey, Andee, Grant, Lyric, Lennon, 15 great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Including Dad’s and Sharon’s grandchildren, and all the great grandchildren, Dad leaves behind 24 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

Special thanks goes to Brook, Audrey, Memory, Brenda, and the staff at the Veraden Senior Living Center, as well as Leah and the staff at Legacy Hospice for their phenomenal care during Dad’s final six months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Spring Creek Assembly Children’s and Student Ministries.

A visitation for Melvin will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034. A celebration of life will occur Friday, February 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Spring Creek Assembly of God, 1600 E 15th St, Edmond, OK 73013.