Donald Francis Decker born Sept. 18, 1931, to Leroy Samuel Decker Sr. and Julia Lula Obrecht in Elmira, N.Y. passed away on Nov. 27, 2015 of natural causes.

Donald served briefly in the United States Army from 1947 to 1948 and then joined the United States Navy from 1952 to 1973. He married his life-long sweetheart Marilyn Bowman on Sept. 9, 1952. While in the Navy, Donald served in many locations state side and abroad including serving in the Vietnam War. He also earned many commendations and retired with an Honorable discharge.

After the military, Donald worked as a Food Service Administrator for the New York State Department of Corrections, retiring after 10 years He and Marilyn then moved to Oak Harbor, Wash.

Donald was a fun-loving gentle man that loved to take care of his wife and family. He was active in woodworking, gardening and anything he could do with his wife.

Donald is survived by his wife of 63 years Marilyn Decker, his children Darlene Hammond, Douglas Decker, Linda (James) Otruba, Deborah Green and Merry (Stephen) Shepard. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Donald will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 at Regency on Whidbey. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer Foundation of Washington.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To leave condolences, please visit Donald’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com