Garland Eugene Decker, 79, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2011 in his son John''s home in Yorktown. Garland was born on August 25, 1931 in Sullivan, IN to the late Thomas Cleveland and Birdie (Ice) Decker. He is a 1949 graduate of Sullivan High School. Garland proudly served in the U.S. Army from January 1951January 1954 serving in the Korean War where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Garland later married his love Garnetta Jean Stewart in January 1956.
Garland worked at Delco Battery GMC as a utility repairman for 38 ½ years before retiring in 1993 as well as for R & O Construction for 35 years before retiring in 1999. Garland was an avid hunter and fisherman; reader; and bird feeder and watcher. Garland also enjoyed hobby-farming and would educate himself on all of the techniques associated with farming and the community. Most of all, Garland''s family will remember him as being an excellent provider to them throughout the years.
Garland is survived by his 3 loving children: John W. Decker (wife, Patti J.) of Yorktown; Gary L. Decker (companion, Rhonda) of Albany; and David A. Decker (wife, Crystal F.) of Anderson; 2 sisters: B. Joanne Harris of Sullivan and Esther Drake of Kokomo; 6 grandchildren: Jeremy M. Decker (wife, Amanda L.) of Noblesville; Justin M. Decker of Indianapolis; Jennifer L. Decker of Indianapolis; Jamie L. Decker of Muncie; Jeana R. Decker Bracey (husband, Jermyne) of Waterbury, CT; and Shelby A. Crouse of Muncie; 5 great-grandchildren: Lance J. and Luke T. Decker of Noblesville; and Jaden, Jonovan, and Jenaya Bracey of Waterbury, CT; and several nieces and nephews.
Garland was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jean Decker; daughter Brenda K. Decker; 2 brothers: Thomas and Howard Decker; 2 sisters: Thelma Bedwell and Etta Mae Griffith; and 2 granddaughters: Kristin Decker and Macayla Decker.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Rd. 3, Muncie. The funeral service will follow at noon on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and/or IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Hospice. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family you may do so by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.