Mr. Laurence Decker

Laurence Decker, age 79 died peacefully in his home in Royal Oak, Michigan on December 21, 2009. Laurence was born on April 5, 1930 in Findlay, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anson and Anna Fern Decker, grandparents Jesse Cherry and Laura Adelia Williams and Earl and Mae Decker, his sister Laura Donahue and her husband Calvin and his infant brother Charles.Laurence married Joan Lucile Barnhill on July 31, 1955 in Findlay, Ohio. He is survived by Joan his loving wife, his children Adelia (Guy) Gaub of Madison Heights, Michigan, Steven (Barbara) Decker of Adrian, Michigan, Philip (Dianne) Decker of Tillsonburg Ontario, Canada and John (Julie) Decker of Oak Park, Michigan, grandchildren Jason (Jennifer) Decker, Bethany (Andrew) Russell, Joshua (Audrey) Decker, Amy (Ryan) Graham,Jordan Decker, Matthew Decker, Jamie Decker, Timothy Decker, Jessica Decker and Jenna Decker, and great grandchild Benjamin Decker. Laurence served his country at Fort Leonardwood, MO in the 6th Army Corp of Engineers reaching the rank of sergeant (1952-1954). He received a BA from the Univeristy of Toledo (1951) a MA from Ohio State University (1952) and an Advance Sudy in Education Certification from Wayne State Univeristy. Laurence career in education took him to the Madison School District, Madison Heights, Michigan, where he served faithfully for 32 years. While working for the Madison School District, he held positions of Social Studies Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent(19 years). His heart and best wishes remained with the Madison School District until his time of death. Laurence church membership included Eagle Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Ohio (1947 - 1954), Church of the Redeemer (RCA) Royal Oak, Michigan (1955-1995) and Ferndale Free Methodist Church Ferndale, Michigan (since 1955). Laurence loved to garden, collect stamps, and be with his family at their beloved cottage on Lake Chemung, Howell, Michigan. He was very active in the community with membership in such organizations as Madison Heights Youth Assistance, Madison Heights Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International. Laurence is a recipient fo the Paul Harris Rotary International Fellowship Award and served 5 years on the MASA Executive Board. Visitation will be held on Saturday December 26, 2009 from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday December 27, 2009 from 2-8 p.m. and funeral services on Monday December 28, 2009 11:00 a.m. at Edward Swanson & son fuenral home 30351 Dequindre Madison Heights, Michigan. Burial will take place on Tuesday December 29, 2009 11:00 a.m. at Bishop Cemetery Eagle Township, Ohio. Memorials to Gideon International.