Robert T. Decker

Robert T. Decker On July 17, 2006, the family of Robert Theodore "Spectre" Decker said goodbye to their beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.  The parting occurred at the Tipton Hospital following a courageous nine-month battle with leukemia after having survived lung and colon cancer. Robert was born July 20, 1937 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio.  He was the son of John and Ethel Leone (Steinbaugh) Decker.  He and Carol Pullen Albaugh joined their lives together on Nov. 15, 1969 in Frankfort, Indiana. They have resided in the Tipton area since 1976. Bob graduated from Tuscarawas High School in 1955 and joined the United States Air Force in November of 1957.  Sergeant Decker's last assignment was a flight engineer on the C130 Spectre Gunship in 1968-1969.  He received many awards, one being the Distinguished Flying Cross.  He was employed at the Chrysler Transmission Plant in Kokomo as an inspector, retiring in 1991 after 21 years of service.  He was a member of UAW Local 685 and had attended West Street Christian Church and Heartland Ministries, both in and near Tipton.  Bob loved playing volleyball, nearly any card game, listening to older music, reading western novels, working crossword puzzles, playing softball, and roller skating.  He was a diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys and also thoroughly enjoyed a good political or nonpolitical debate.  He was our couch commando, but his greatest joy in life came from being a grandfather. Bob was loved and respected by all who were close to him. He was compassionate, understanding, forgiving, and patient; always willing to help anyone in need.  All who knew him will remember his strength and courage. Left to mourn his departure are his wife, Carol; daughter, Paige LeAnn (Chris) Williams, Tipton; son, Steven Matthew (Jody) Decker, Kokomo; a special nephew, Scott Allen Zink; grandsons, Tyler Williams, Lucas Rozumalski, and Matthew Decker; "special" granddaughters, Jaisi and Allison Zink.   Along with the above he will be mourned by his brothers and sisters; John Decker, Tuscarawas, Ohio; Joyce Decker, Uhrichsville, Ohio; Gary (Joyce) Decker, Bill (Connie) Decker, Kay (Jack) Hickson, and Penny (Terry) Zink all residing in Frankfort.  Other survivors include William Tice, Harley (Sara) Pullen, Linda (John) Cunningham, Paul Baxter, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, sisters-in-law, Anna Decker and Joan Baxter, parents-in-law, Maurice and Thelma Pullen, and his best friend, Richard S. Wilson. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm Friday, July 21, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, Tipton.  A remembrance service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 22, at the funeral home with the Rev. William Salsbery officiating.  Burial will follow in the Normanda Cemetery with a graveside military service. Special thanks go to the Tipton Hospital staff, Dr. Mary Compton, Community Cancer Care, Dr. William Dugan, Dr. Sumeet Bhatia, IU Medical Center staff, and Dr. Larry Cripe.    Memorial donations may be made to Tipton At Home, 1000 S. Main Street, Tipton, IN 46072.