Jerry Lee Decker's Obituary
Jerry Lee Decker was born in a small house in Sleeper, Missouri to Raymond and Effie Decker on December 6, 1944. He had an older sister (Betty Lou) and brother (Larry Dean). Around 1950, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri where twin sisters Cathy and Carol were born into the family.
Jerry was proceeded in death by his father (Raymond), mother (Effie), and brother (Larry). He is survived by sisters Betty, Cathy, and Carol. All of Springfield, Missouri.
In 1965, while "cruising" with his buddies in their cars at Taylor's Drive Inn he met the love of his life (Gladys Harper working as a car-hop). They quickly fell in love and Jerry and Gladys married on December 16, 1966. Gladys was still in high school at the time. Teachers and others said "it would never last", well they proved everyone wrong with a strong, loving marriage that lasted nearly 58 years.
On April 28, 1968 they welcomed bouncing baby boy Steven Scott Decker (weighing nearly 10 pounds at birth) and their family was complete, happy and loving for the rest of his life.
Jerry learned carpentry at an early age when he and his brother worked with their Dad when off from school. As they got older, the boys started re-building cars and turning them into show cars. They won a lot of trophies, but the most important was the friendships they made through this hobby. Jerry enjoyed friends for life from their car club days.
Jerry went to work for Westinghouse Electric in Springfield in 1966 and through promotions he transferred to Tulsa in 1974. He and Gladys bought the house they still call home in 1975.
In the early 80's he and Larry decided to start their own remodeling company and Home Repair Services was formed. They enjoyed working together for many years and even had the wives and children working alongside them on weekends. After retiring the brothers still remained best friends and talked every morning.
Jerry loved to joke around and had a great sense of humor, but his greatest trait was he LOVED! He loved his family and told them so often. It showed in his actions and daily life. His bright blue eyes and big smile will be missed by all that knew and loved him in return.
In leu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
The memorial service will be 12:30 PM, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
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