Maj. Richard Decker

Maj. Richard A. "Dick" Decker, 74, passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at his home in Jackson.

He was born Oct. 1, 1939, in Jackson, to George and Ruby Grosvenor Decker.

Dick was a 1957 graduate of Jackson High School. He received a degree from Southeast Missouri State University and played on the football team. He later earned a master's degree in psychology from Phoenix University.

He entered the U.S. Marine Corps April 10, 1961. He was a communication officer more than 16 years. His decorations and awards include the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Presidential Unity Citation; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Commendation Medal; RVN Cross of Gallantry; Joint Service Commendation Medal; RVN Sft Medal (1st Class); RVN Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action Colors); Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Navy Achievement Medal; and Meritorious Unit Citation.

After his honorable discharge June 30, 1981, he lived in Pensacola, Fla. In 1993 he moved to Jackson and served as director of the Gibson Center in Cape Girardeau until retirement. Dick was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and an active member of Missouri Veterans Home Foundation Board. Other affiliations include Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 and its Honor Guard, and VFW, all in Jackson; U.S. Marine Corps League; and Celebrate Recovery.

Loving survivors include three children, Sydney (Adam) Goodwin and children Kyndall, David and John of Omaha, Neb., Matt (Lucy) Decker and children Samuel, Caroline, Natalie, Lauren, and Christina of Houston, Texas, John (Liz) Decker and children Mary-Mack, Dennie, John Jr., and Peter "Pete" of Georgetown (Ft. Hood), Texas; his mother, Ruby Decker of Cape Girardeau; four siblings, Larry (Diane) Decker of Jackson, Steve (Lori) Decker of Eureka, Mo., Martha (John) Freeze of Cape Girardeau, Lisa (Bob) Moses of Jackson; friend and former wife, Carol Mackey of Pensacola; and his canine companion, FiFi.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Visitation is today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church. An American Legion Honor Guard service will be held at 7:30 today.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating. A committal service and observance of military honors will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Legion Scholarship Fund, Missouri Veterans Home Foundation, Marine Corps Honor League, or St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.