Robert Decker Obituary

Robert Harold Decker passed away January 31, 2007, one day following his 85th birthday. Robert Decker was born on January 30, 1922 to Harold and Eva Decker in Arkansas City, Kansas, graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1939 and from Cowley County Community College in 1941. Bob started his first full time job working for the National Cash Register Co. in Wichita, KS in 1941. He served his country from September, 1942 until he received an Honorable Discharge as Captain in the U.S. Air Force in May, 1946. While in the Air Corp he graduated from Pilots School and served as a pilot and navigator including a tour in the Pacific Theater with the 382nd Air Squadron. In 1942, Bob was married to Catherine Cooper. Together they raised four wonderful children, Janet (John) Frieden, Roberta Kay (Ed) Lee, Richard (Ellie) Decker, and Christa Grijalva. After returning from the Air Corp, Bob returned to NCR where he worked as a Field Engineer. In 1984, he retired after 42 years with the company. In 1976 he was married to Darleen McCaleb, adding four stepchildren to the family. Joleen Crockett, Susan Merritt, Steven McCaleb and Joyce (Robert) Cope. Darleen and Bob enjoyed 30 years of married life together. In 1990, after retiring, they moved to Manitou Springs (from Pueblo). Their retirement years were spent traveling and enjoying their extended family and home in Manitou Springs. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Joan Reiss, and his stepson Steven McCaleb. In 2002 Bob celebrated his 80th birthday with his extended family present. How we love and admire this special husband, father, grandfather and friend. Left to cherish Bob's memory are his wife, Darleen, his four children, three stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandson and many friends. Memorial services will be held at Community Congregational Church on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007 at 1 :00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club or to the Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs, both at 103 Pawnee Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829