Obituary: Kenneth Ray Decker, 92, of Ludington, formerly of DeWitt

April 17, 1932 – September 25, 2024.

Kenneth Ray Decker peacefully stepped into Eternity on September 25, 2024 at the age of 92. Surviving to hold onto the memories are Ken’s children, Kevin (Montana) Decker of Pickford, Beckie (Russ) Scott of Ludington, Richard (Amy) Decker of Scottville. His grandchildren, Angela, Bryan, Kyle, Jennie, Tracy Jo, Corey, Ryan and Kelsey will miss him. He was adored by all kids including his great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is survived by one brother, David (Marilyn) Parkhouse of Six Lakes.

Ken was welcomed to Heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ, his loving wife, Barbara (2015); parents. John G Decker (1943), Katherine Decker-Parkhouse (1981), stepfather Leon G. Parkhouse (1985); seven brothers, John, Jackie, Richard (Bud), Donald, Harry, Rex Decker and James Parkhouse; four sisters, Donalee Decker-David, Nancy Decker-Voorhees, Kay Decker, Shirley Decker-Bowling, Grandson Garrett Scott (2023); and great-granddaughter Chloe Rae Devereaux (2003).

Kenny was born and raised on Bridge Street, just south of the river in DeWitt. He was the seventh son to a seventh son (a blessing) to John and Katherine (Beach) Decker. His father died suddenly when Kenny was only 10 years old.

His mother Katie was a strong woman! She married at age 17, gave birth to 11 children (three died) and was a widow at age 37. She didn’t drive, so she walked to town and worked as a housekeeper during the day and bar cook at night. Ken used to worry about her walking home in the dark and remembered waiting to massage her swollen feet for her. The younger children took turns spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa Beach’s home – also on Bridge Street and within five years of her husband passing – the f0urth oldest sons joined the military, both her parents died and fire destroyed the upper story of her five bedroom house.

Ken credited his stepfather -Leon “Caddy” Parkhouse with rescuing the family and adding two more brothers to the family, David and James Parkhouse,

Ken graduated from DeWitt Public Schools and days after his 17th birthday, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Korea as a radio operator and was honorably discharged in 1952.

He became a divorced, custodial father until he married Barbara Sible in 1962. They courted for three months and were happily married for 53 years.

Ken attended trade school in Chicago under the G.I. Bill and sought an engineering degree. He worked at Motor Wheel, then Harvey D. Robey Company where he became a journeyman tool and die maker. After Mr, Robey retired, Ken opened “Ken’s Auto Supply” in  downtown DeWitt, then moved to Ludington to take a job at Moteka Metal Products. Years later, he returned to DeWitt Township and retired from General Motors Corp. as a skilled tradesman in 1997.

Ken was an active member of The American Legion, DeWitt Post 379, serving in many capacities, including commander. He was Ox Roast Parade Chairman and on The DeWitt Memorial Association Board. After moving to Ludington, he joined The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 9, serving in many capacities, including commander, until he retired with 25 years of service.

After his wife’s illness and death, he got restless and at age 86, volunteered at both Sparrow Hospital and McClaren St. Lawrence Campus as an escort. When he moved back to Ludington and COVID hit, he finally retired. Ken was an accomplished horse shoe player, enjoyed working in his yard and playing cards with his wife and friends. He also loved board games with his great grandchildren. He had a

quiet, yet witty sense of humor and loved to tease children.

He returned to Ludington in 2019 and spent time playing free cell solitaire, enjoying visits from family and napping with his marmalade cat.  In 2021, a photo of the paternal grandparents he never knew, was gifted to him. He enjoyed the research into the Decker Family History including the village of Deckerville and helped document it into folders to share with others. This took him across the state- to the shores of Lake Huron where he laid hands on not only his grandfather’s headstone but also his great grandparents and great uncles. He visited the site of the Decker School, built by his grandfather and uncles for the large families they had. He toured the log home that was one of only two that survived a massive fire and his grandfather moved it to a new location and raised his family there.

Final arrangements are being made by Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc.

A private family graveside service at DeWitt City Cemetery will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank MediLodge of Ludington and Heartland Hospice of Fremont. Memorial contributions can be made to: Pigeon Historical Society 59 S Main St. Pigeon, MI 48755, to The Preservation Of The Decker Log Cabin Fund.