Richard Decker, 67

March 18, 2011

Richard Decker, 67, Marion Center, died Friday, March 18, 2011, at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.  

He was born June 21, 1943, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Bud and Jessie Decker.

He was married to his wife of 44 years, Tootie.

Mr. Decker served in the U.S. Army, based in Korea, with an honorable discharge in 1963.

He spent his entire life in the coal mining industry until his retirement in the early 1990s due to injuries. He was an avid gun enthusiast, spending the majority of his time working and tinkering with guns of all types, building from parts and restoring military weapons as a hobby.

In addition to his wife, surviving relatives include a son, Chris of Marion Center; a daughter, Stacie and husband Kit of Jonesboro, Ark.; a grandson, Ethan Crawford of Jonesboro; a brother, Tom and wife Kathy of Richmond, Ind.; numerous nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews; and an uncle, the Rev. Arthur Ferguson of Illinois.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Decker of Clymer; and two infant children.

Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2011, at the Harry J. Bence Funeral Home, Clymer, with a memorial service following at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Robert White officiating.

Interment will be private.  

A guest book is available at www.bencefuneralhomes.com.