Joseph L. Decker's Obituary
Joseph L. Decker, age 79 of Batesville, died Thursday, October 21, 2010, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Born October 22, 1930 in Batesville, he is the son of Julia (Nee: Jenkins) and Harry Decker. He married Helen Moris February 4, 1954 in Paris Island, South Carolina. Joe served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and after the service spent 45 years with Batesville Casket Company as Credit Manager.A devout man, Joe liked helping others. He was an active member of the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271, the Marine Corps League, the Ripley County Voiture #1047 40 & 8, St. Louis Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #1461 where he held several offices through the years. He also was active in the Ripley County Democratic Party and served as the organization’s treasurer. Joe had several hobbies which included golf, bowling, golf and golf. For many years he was an active league bowler, but his real obsession was golf. Play it, talk about it, watch it, it didn’t matter. The family shared how on Sunday’s any togethers’ and birthday parties were arranged so “we could be home to watch the final round.” They also indicated there is substantial photographic evidence that rarely happened…….at least not with his eyes open. His family remembers him as a humble person who told bad jokes and had a terrible sense of direction. He seemed to have a knack for getting lost, usually because of some “shortcut” he knew. The kids would poke fun at him with something like “dad, let’s go for a ride and get lost.” In spite of all the teasing, he dearly loved his family and especially time with his grandchildren.He is survived by his wife Helen; daughters and son-in-law Teresa and Andrew Huy of Cincinnati, Susan Decker of Batesville; sons and daughter-in-laws Andrew Decker of Batesville, Paul and Kate Decker of Pickney, Michigan, Pete and Terri Decker of Indianapolis and eight grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by sister Julia Dierckman and brothers Melvin, Howard, Gilbert, Florentine, William, Robert and Vernon Decker.Visitation is Sunday, October 24th, from 1-4 p.m. with a rosary service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Monday, October 25th, at St. Louis Church with burial in the church cemetery and military graveside rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to Gibault School.
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