Jacksonville Journal-Courier, April 17, 2002
E. Russell Decker
1929-2002
JACKSONVILLE
E. Russell Decker, 72, of South Jacksonville,
died Tuesday morning, April 16, 2002, at Passavant Area Hospital in
Jacksonville.
He was born Sept. 14, 1929, in Jacksonville, the son of Charles and Jenny Davis Decker. He married Ruth Massey Liter Jan. 12, 1952, in Pocahontas, Ark., and she survives.
He is also survived by one stepdaughter, Janet Evans of Macomb; four step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandson; one sister, Betty Dixon of South Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one stepson, David Liter; three step-grandsons; one brother, Donald (surviving wife, Helen of South Jacksonville); and one sister, Louise Welch.
Mr. Decker was employed by Charls Welch Ready-Mix and later Henry Nelch & Son. He later joined the Laborers International Union of North America Local 253, where he worked for 25 yars prior to his retirement. He was a member of Central Christian Church in Jacksonville. He was an avid auto racing fan and a devoted stepfather who helped raise his stepchildren.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private memorial services will be held at Diamond Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to his wife, Ruth. The Gillham-Buchanan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.