Roy "Red" Decker

Roy “Red” Decker, 93, of Flat Rock, IL, died at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 in the comfort of his daughter’s home in Palestine, IL. He was born December 29, 1925 in Bruceville, IN, the son of Herbert Decker & Maudie Alice (Roach) Decker, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Virginia Rich on May 5, 1947, and they shared 70 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on May 21, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Ann Bennett; by his brothers, Harry Decker, Arthur Decker, Chester Decker, Herbert Decker; and by his sisters, Beatrice Fox, Edith Eaton, Helen Devine, and Opal Decker (in infancy). He is survived by his children, Jerry Decker (Robinson, IL), Randy Decker (Porterville, IL), Donna & Mike Jenkins (Palestine, IL) Teresa Davidson (Robinson, IL); by ten grandchildren; by sixteen great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Roy grew up in the Birds area and attended both Lindsay Grade School and Flat Rock High School. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in the Philippines during World War II. Back home, he worked in a number of capacities: as a farmer, a laborer for Case, an oilfield worker, a laborer for Reinbold & Sons, and was even a school bus driver for a time. By the time he retired from Briggs in 1990, he was over the slip department and had made a name for himself as a hardworking man who set a high standard for himself and those he worked alongside. Roy was, in a word, an outdoorsman. Much of his time outside of work was spent outside, be that coon hunting, fishing, or camping. He was also very active in the Coon Club, the Flat Rock American Legion, the Lawrenceville V.F.W., and was also a volunteer firefighter for many years. He will be remembered as an honest man who was as genuine as he was independent. His family, community, and country all owe a debt of gratitude to Roy Decker. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 10th at the Tohill Cemetery in rural Flat Rock. Memorials may be made to the Flat Rock Homecoming Committee, with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements.