Gilbert R. Decker, 93

May 03, 2014

Gilbert R. Decker, 93, of Ephrata, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Fairmont Homes. He was born on January 8, 1921 and was the son of the late Ralph and Gertrude (Sweener) Decker.

Gilbert was the husband of Sophie S. (Burbulis) Decker, whom he referred to as “the lily of his valley.” On April 21, Gilbert and Sophie celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Growing up in a small town near Collegeville, PA, Gilbert attended a one-room schoolhouse in the Collegeville area and because he was the oldest student in the school had the responsibility of opening the school each morning and lighting the stove so all the other children would be warm. In his teen years, he moved to Germantown, PA with his family.

On January 14, 1941, he entered the CC’s for a 6 month tour and then returned home and worked at National Drying Machine Company in Philadelphia for 1 year before being drafted at age 21 to serve in the Army Air Corps, in the 42nd Battalion, 13th Air Force, 75th Squadron. He flew over 75 missions, on a B-25 double tail plane. Serving as the flight engineer on Captain Whitehead’s plane, he served in the North Salomon Islands, Tawarulla, New Guinea, South Pacific, Philippine Islands, Western Pacific, Okinawa, and Bismarck Archipelago. In June of 1944, Gilbert turned down a Purple Heart medal after he was injured when shrapnel ricocheted off a turret and struck him in the leg; he felt the other boys deserved the Purple Heart more than he. He also received the Asiatic Pacific Service metal with 5 bronze stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon, Air Medal 5 Leaf Oak Cluster, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was our HERO.

Gilbert was a proud but simple and private man. He was very independent, stubborn, and strong willed but held to high principles and was very fair. He always wanted the best for everyone and wanted everyone to reach their potential, his motto was “You can!” He had good neighbors because he was a good neighbor. He had a couple long time and treasured friends, Tim Maley and Fred Koch.

He loved playing Cribbage and Canasta, working crossword puzzles, and traveling to Australia, but most of all he loved his family, who will forever treasure the gift of his life.

In addition to his wife, Gilbert is survived by his 4 children: Gail Litten, wife of Bernard, Lancaster, Richard Decker, husband of Peggy, Smyrna, DE, Bruce Decker, husband of Jackie, Sharonville, OH, Doug Decker, husband of Shelly, Laureldale, PA, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Gilbert is also survived by a brother, Kenny Decker, husband of Kathy, and a sister, Violet Kersch, wife of Peter. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Decker who also passed away this week.

Memorial services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Gilbert’s name to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, N.Y. 10001.