William Decker

William “Bill” Decker, age 75 of East Leroy, passed away Monday, July 14, 2014. He is now in Heaven with Jesus, reconnecting with those who have gone before him. Bill was born July 13, 1939 in Traverse City, Michigan the son of Alvin and Nela (Beach) Decker. He was a 1957 graduate of Athens High School and served in the Air National Guard for 7 years. Bill truly enjoyed people and lived his life to the fullest. He loved to hunt and fish, and spent many hours taking Bluegill out of his favorite fishing holes on Graham Lake. Prior to his retirement, he had worked at Ralston Purina for 39 years. Bill was a member of the Battle Creek Friends Church. On May 29, 1964 he was married to Lena J. Bottomlee who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Kim Clifford; son, Jeff (Jennifer) Decker; four grandchildren: Quinn (Sarah) Clifford, Chase Clifford, Paige Decker and Laine Decker; two sisters: Dianna (Dick) Schroder and Carole Snodderly; one brother, Russell (Pat) Decker; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Drew Clifford and sister, Inez Tobalski-Maisner. He cherished his family and invested into his children and grandchildren’s lives in significant ways leaving a beautiful legacy. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive Street. Interment will follow at Leroy Congregational Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the church. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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