Raymond Decker passed away July 24, 2010 at age 85, at the Veteran’s home in Ogden, Utah.
Raymond was born on June 20, 1925 in Red Hook, NY to Otis and Mabel Simmons Decker. He married Naomi Stebens and had one son Steven.
Ray was a marvelous cook and avid outdoorsman. He loved to boat, fish, golf, snowmobile and enjoyed many happy times at the American Legion. Most of all Ray treasured his many friendships with Legion buddies and golfing and fishing friends. Caretaker Laura Whitmore and son Steve diligently cared for Ray during the last years of his life.
Ray had a long military career joining the Navy in 1943 at age 18, serving as a torpedo man in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He joined the Air Force in 1947 and was active duty during the Korean and the Vietnam wars. Ray was a crew member on the B-50 bomber and the C124. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, retiring from the Air Force in 1966 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He also retired as a civil servant from Hill AFB in 1986.
Ray travelled the world during his Air Force career, spending time in England, Germany, Japan, the Philippines, Iceland and all over the United States. He collected souvenirs from all over the world.
Ray was a snowbird to Moapa Valley since 1987, then he permanently moved here in 1995. He loved Moapa Valley and did not want to leave.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife Naomi Stebens who passed away in 1977. He is survived by his son Steven and granddaughter Jacquelin of Ogden, UT; two step children, Shirley O’Dell and Raynell Hearld and four grandchildren Matt, Bryn, Jeff and Paul; and two sisters, Barbara and Linda of New York.
Ray was interred at Fort Douglas Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah next to his wife Naomi. Services were held August 2. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Utah Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Attn: Donation Account, Northern Utah Veterans Nursing Home, 1102 N 1200 W Ogden, Utah.
Ray was from a generation that struggled and suffered more than many Americans. We are forever grateful to the “Greatest Generation” and will be in our hearts forever.
A Veteran’s Eulogy: Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint of snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the mornings bush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. Author unknown.
