Raymond Floyd Decker

Raymond Decker

Raymond Decker passed away July 24 at age 85 at the Veteran''s home in Ogden. Ray was born to Otis and Mabel Simmons Decker on June 20, 1925 in Red Hook, NY. He had two sisters, Barbara and Linda. Ray married Naomi Stebens, they had one son Steven and granddaughter Jacqueline. Ray has two step children Shirley O''Dell and Raynell Hearld and four grandchildren Matt, Bryn, Jeff and Paul.

Ray was a marvelous cook and avid outdoorsman. He loved to boat, fish, golf, snow mobile and enjoyed many happy times at the American Legion. Most of all Ray treasured his many friendships with Legion buddies, golfing and fishing friends. Caretaker Laura Whitmore and son Steve diligently cared for Ray during the last years of his life, and the family wants to thank Laura for her dedicated care over the years, and the VA personnel who cared for him during the last months 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 Viet Nam wars. Ray was a crew member on the B-50 bomber and the C124 Globe Master. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, retiring from the Air Force in 1966 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He also retired from Hill AFB in 1986.

Ray travelled the world during his Air Force career, spending time in many places including England, Germany, Japan, the Philippines, Iceland and all over the United States. Ray spoke of those places many times, telling his family about his experiences and the people he met. He collected souvenirs from all over the world, all of which his family will treasure forever.

Ray will be interred at Fort Douglass Cemetery in SLC next to his wife Naomi who passed away in 1977. Graveside services will be held Monday August 2 at 11:00 am. 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.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

Ray was from a generation that struggled and suffered more than many Americans. We are forever grateful to the "Greatest Generation" for their bravery, patriotism and sacrifice. Ray Decker is part of 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, Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.