Robert Bryan “Bob” Decker, 92, of Festus died Dec. 9, 2023, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Center in Festus. Mr. Decker was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War era, a retired purchasing agent for the former USS Agri-Chem plant of Festus and one of the founders of the R-7 Little League Baseball program. He was known as a man who enjoyed the simple things in life, a good cup of coffee and reading the newspaper. He had a passion for working in his yard, loved talking about his grandkids and liked to tell stories about his military experiences, his high school days and his job. He was a big St. Louis Cardinals fan and would constantly change TV providers to watch the games. He enjoyed watching Westerns and catching up on the local sports teams, especially the Festus and Mizzou Tigers. Born Nov. 21, 1931, in Festus, he was the son of the late Mary Kathleen “Maymie” (Menckel) and Bryan Decker.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years: LaVerne L. (Zelsman) Decker; a son: Kent (Eileen) Decker of Columbia, Ill.; a daughter: Cheryl (Dr. David) Liu of Rock Springs, Wyo.; and six grandchildren: Tim Decker, Kristi Decker, Kevin (Alecia) Decker, Kristen Liu, Christopher Liu and Kaitlyn Liu.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until funeral services at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Kayla Roe. Burial with full military honors will follow in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.