John Decker

John H. Decker, age 71, left this life for his new one on Monday, September 14, after a long, heroic battle with cancer. He was a Christian, a husband, a father, a brother, a friend, an engineer, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and he played all roles with equal love, integrity and loyalty. His passions included fishing, golf, mini vacation trips, and gathering with family and friends. He was a member of the Pensacola Yacht Club, which was one of his favorite places to gather. Funeral services, under the direction of Rose Lawn Funeral Home, will be held Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the Chapel at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Drive, with the Rev. Jack Kale, pastor, officiating. Visitation at the funeral home, located at 2942 Gulf Breeze Pkwy (HiWay 98), will be held Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Born on April 18, 1938 in Dearborn, Michigan, John was an engineer with various automotive companies in Detroit for 20 years. The professional successes he attained were surpassed only by his personal successes. His optimism and ability to inspire people built lasting and loyal friendships. He graduated from Henry Ford College with a degree in engineering and became a member of the American Society of Engineers. While working for Ford Motor Company, he was included in many meetings with Henry Ford at the Ford Design Center. John holds six patents on his inventions. He took a hiatus from engineering to spend a few years in the drug store retail business, concluding that segment of his career with City Drug as Vice President of Marketing for the region from Florida to Texas. It was during this time that he discovered the Pensacola Beach area and embarked on a plan to eventually live there. He later returned to engineering as an engineer for suppliers of the automotive industry in Detroit, but placed a picture of Pensacola Beach in his office as a daily reminder of his goal to return there someday. He purchased a home in Gulf Breeze in 1996 and moved there permanently in 1999. When a company he had worked for in Detroit opened a Hyundai Plant in Montgomery, Alabama, they called on John to be their Chief Engineer for three years. Diagnosed with cancer four years ago, John decided early on to learn everything he could about his disease. He compiled reports and articles into information packets, which he readily shared with doctors and other cancer patients in an effort to help them. His persistence, intelligence, generosity, and humor made him a beacon of hope that touched so many people. He leaves behind a loving family and many friends, including his wife Judith (Gardner) Decker who was the love of his life, a son, Johnny Decker of Pensacola Beach; a daughter and her husband, Kim and Bob Ammon of Michigan, and four grandchildren, Eric Ammon, and Steven, Alana, and John Patrick Decker, all of Michigan, and one brother, Joe Decker and his wife Nan of Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Josef and Mia (Gerwert) Decker, whose family came to America from Germany. The family extends sincere thanks and deep appreciation to John's family doctor and friend, Marta Jacenyik, M.D., whose continuing attention and care were a source of great comfort, to the caring staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, and very special thanks to his cancer doctor, Thomas Sunnenberg, M.D., whose expertise and attentive care extended John's life. They also wish to thank the love and care that was bestowed on John and the family at Covenant House. The love, compassion and many acts of kindness by so many friends during John's illness are all deeply appreciated. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, they may send memorials to the attention of Father Tom and Father George, St. Jude Church, 303 Rocky Avenue, Cantonment, FL 32533. Phone 850/968-6189. The many hospital visits from these priests were an amazing comfort that brought peace, tranquility and spiritual care to John. A memorial for their work would be a special honor to John and one for which he would be most proud.

Visitation

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
5:00 PM

Service

Memorial Service

Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church
75 Fairpoint Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Thursday, September 17, 2009
10:00 AM