William Decker

William Charles Decker, known by friends and family as "Pops", found peace after a long struggle with cancer on November 28, 2008. He was born on August 30, 1925 in Stoutland, Missouri to Eli and Fay Decker growing up in the Missouri countryside. His family moved to California in 1943, settling permanently in Chico, California. Pops served in the Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Missouri bringing back his bride, Phyllis Rae (Bench) where they made their home for over 59 years. He was a hard worker and a good provider. He worked from 1947 to 1975 at Diamond Match until the plant closed. He then worked for Chico State University until 1990 when he retired. Pops believed, above all, that his family came first. He completed building their home in the late 1940's from the ground up with his own efforts and support from his family where he lived until his death. He built it from earnings instead of loans in time for the birth of their first child, Cathleen Rae Decker. Pops will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and camp. He passed his experience and skill to his son, Stephen Charles Decker. He was most comfortable in the mountains, watching the sun rise and set appreciating the beauty surrounding him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Fay Decker, with whom he felt deep grief from his loss, as well as both sisters, Virginia Pauline Decker and Vivian Ione (Decker) Griffin. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his son, Stephen Charles and wife Donna; his daughter, Cathleen Rae, and two grandsons, Eli and Grayson. A graveside service will be held at Glen Oaks Memorial Park, 11115 Midway, Chico, CA on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at 11:00 am. The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #218, will honor the loss of one of their own at 1940 Mulberry, Chico, CA on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 at 11:00 am. The family requests in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #218, for the "Relay for Life" Cancer Fund.