Charles Forrest Decker

Charles Forrest Decker Charlie Decker, a lifelong resident of Wasco, OR died Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the age of 94.

He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Oliver and Erma Decker on  

November 22, 1926. He was the oldest of nine children.

At seventeen, Charlie joined the Navy, serving in WWII on the USS Battleship, South Dakota. Every morning, the teenage Yeoman Decker would bring the daily news and plan of the day to Admiral Nimitz, who would sit on his bunk, in his boxers, and discuss the day with him. They survived numerous battles, kamikaze pilots, shrapnel, and a typhoon. Charlie was awarded eight battle stars. 

Returning home to Nebraska, he completed high school, then joined with his family in Wasco, Oregon. In 1949 he married Joyce Wallace.  Together they had four children. Charlie became a Barber and worked in The Dalles, and Moro before building his own shop in Wasco. Charles Decker was a loving, supportive husband and father, a charming member of his community and a quiet calm example of what it means to be a man.

Charlie is survived by his children; Phyllis Coats Newman, Alvin Decker, Don Decker and Tim Decker, grandchildren; John Coats, Meghan McAllister, Nick Decker, Lindsey Poggemeyer, Kelsey Mitchell, David Decker, Zack Decker and thirteen great grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers; Ronnie, Monte and Terry Decker and sisters, Davise McFetridge and Vivian Curtiss.  

The graveside service will be held Saturday, September 25, at 11:00 am at Wasco Sunrise Cemetery, 71222 N. Sawtooth Road, Wasco, OR 97065, with Pastor Bob Reasoner officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Wasco United Methodist Church, PO Box 43, Wasco, OR 97065.