Carl “Joe” Decker

Carl “Joe” Decker, age 75, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility. “Joe,” as he preferred to be called, was born May 17, 1949, in Jackson County, MO, to the late John Decker and Virginia Porter. He was a loving brother to his siblings Darrell, Carol and Debra.

Joe became a Christian as a young teenager and continued faithfully to follow Jesus his entire life. Most recently, he attended the Riverview Bible Church in El Dorado Springs, MO.

He attended El Dorado Springs High School and enlisted in the US Navy after graduation in 1967. When he returned from his military service, he attended CMSU and graduated with a BS in Business Administration in 1976. He worked for a while at the bank in Appleton City, MO, before becoming disabled in the early 1980s.

Joe especially enjoyed going to Scooters for breakfast at least twice a week and he affectionately referred to the waitresses as “my girls.” He also enjoyed stopping at the Farmers Market during the summer months and visiting with all the vendors there. It seemed that the more Joe’s health declined, the more his robust laugh, sense of humor, and zeal for life increased. He will be remembered for the compassionate, caring, and giving person that he was.

Proceeding him in death were his wife, Wanda, his parents, and his sister, Debra.

Survivors include one brother, Darrell Decker, and wife, Mary, of Springfield, MO; and one sister, Carol Mays, and husband, Larry of El Dorado Springs. Joe also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces and many dear friends.

A memorial service was held Friday, May 2, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home followed by interment in Love Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the El Dorado Springs Senior Center.