Gerald (Jerry) Eugene Decker, 86, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 1, 2026 surrounded by family. He was born in Knox County December 28, 1939, the son of Lawrence and Irene (Irr) Decker. Jerry and Carol (Mullis) Decker married April 30, 1961 and enjoyed 65 beautiful years together.

Jerry was a 1958 graduate of Washington Catholic High School and attended Vincennes University. A proud military veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves as Lance Corporal after graduation. Jerry was a lifelong farmer and founder of Decker Farms. He retired from the B&O Railroad after 28 years.

A member of Our Lady of Hope and the Dubois County Leathernecks, Jerry enjoyed volunteering for Toys for Tots events, traveling, shopping for antiques with Carol, coon hunting, participating in 5k runs and playing euchre with family members, fishing trips with his siblings, watching Indiana University football and basketball games, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers, Kenny, John and Dick Decker.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol, and their six children: Tina (Mark) Bradley, Jeff (Amy) Decker, Randy (Kathy) Decker, Natalie (Keith) Myers, Elaine (Shawn) Graber, and Karolanne (Bill) Critchfield. Also surviving him are 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a sister, Gladys (Decker) Partridge.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Ed L. Lee Mortuary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, where military graveside rites will be conducted by the VFW and the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.