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Submitted: 3/23/13 • Approved: 11/27/20 • Last Updated: 11/30/20 • R851212-G0-S3
STAFF SERGEANT US Army
World War II
November 20, 1926 - October 12, 1998
November 20, 1926 - October 12, 1998
*Obituary
White River Currant
Columbus "Chris" Berry Decker, son of the late Luke and Goldie Emeline Crossland Decker was born November 20, 1926, in Swifton. He died October 12, 1998 in Mountain Home. He was 71.
Mr. Decker was united in marriage to Virginia Greenstreet March 17, 1973 in Waynesville, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1945. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was recognized by the award of the Good Conduct Medal with four bronze stars; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with the Japan clasp; National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Mr. Decker retired after more than 20 years active Federal service. After his retirement, he worked as a self-employed cabinet maker. He was a member of the VFW and a 32nd Degree Mason with the Hancock Lodge in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Survivors include his wife of the home; four daughters, Linda Frances Rose of Leavenworth, Kansas, Veronica Jean Johnson of Auburn, Alabama, Phyllis Kay Minor of Niceville, Florida and Rita Joe Stanyan of Leavenworth, Kansas; one son, DeWayne Barry Decker of Leavenworth, Kansas; eight sisters, Eva Elizabeth Joiner of Cleveland, Mississippi, Alha Lee Kirker of Salem, Missouri, Loretta Joe Brinsfield of Swifton, Betty Jone Decker of Swifton, Agnes Lanelle Franks of Vidor, Texas, Rebecca Louise Davison of Buna, Texas, Tomizine Herring of Jonesboro and Thalia Funchess of Jonesboro; four brothers, Luke Berry Decker, Jr. of Swifton, David Decker of Swifton, Carthel Beachup Decker of Cash and Gerald Tate of Jonesboro; nine grandchildren, Amanda JoAnn Henderson, Michael Glenn Welch, Heather Jolene Minor, Bryan Barry Henderson, Christopher Charles Welch, Katie Jo Stanyan, Shelby Corrin Stanyan, Cameron Barry Decker and Matthew Leland Stanyan. He was preceded in death by his parents, one stepmother, Zora Veda Tate Decker; two children, Joseph Barry Decker and Elizabeth Ann Decker and three sisters, Maxine Emeline Whitlock, Thelma Lee Decker and Ruth Decker.
Funeral services were held October 16, 1998 at the Roman & Billy Memorial Chapel in Melbourne.
Pallbearers were Clinton Hawkins, Andrew Sharp, Charlie Woods, Tim Dockins, Eddie Cooper and Ronnie Davis.
Interment was at Reeves Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.
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Contributed on 3/23/13 by sandhollow
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Record #: 851212