Daniel Joseph Decker

Daniel was born in Dallas, Texas on July 12, 1996. As a young child, Daniel was filled with an insatiable curiosity and a great sense of humor. He was bright, sensitive, creative, artistic and incredibly charming. One of his dearest friends recently described him as having a heart of gold, a good soul who was the smartest person they had ever known…someone who could listen with an open heart and able to solve problems with a few heartfelt words in response. He was compassionate and kind-hearted, filled with a great love of all living creatures, especially our dog Lena and his precious cats, Chin Lee and Fiona. Daniel had a profound love of the ocean, the beach and especially the Florida Keys. He enjoyed surfing, fishing, kayaking and boating. From a very young age he could tell you anything you wanted to know about the ocean and its amazing sea life. His ultimate dream was to live on the water, where he would fish, snorkel, dive and watch every beautiful sunset while listening to his diverse collection of music.

He is survived by his parents Rebecca A. Decker and Michael D. Decker, brother Thomas Decker, Grandpa “Boom Boom” Gerald Decker, uncles Joseph Aycock, Dennis Riddle, Bob (Diane) Neil, Daniel (Kelly) Decker, William Decker, aunts Cindy Sherwood, Deborah Frustino, Susan (Paul) Bury, Annie (Jerry) Sheehan, Jackie (Courtenay) Mathey, Tracey (Richard) Giarratana, cousins Lauren (Jean-Pierre) DeLaCroix, Jack and Sam Sherwood, Kristin (Drew) Gaut, Katie (Chris) McCutcheon, Michael and MacKenzie Decker, Grant Schaumburg, Ashley (Tyson) Wanlass, Liam, Michael and Eddie Sheehan, Jackson and Faye Mathey, Parker and Travis Giarratana as well as many beloved coaches, teachers and friends. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Daniel was preceded in death by Grandmothers Macie Aycock and Laurie Decker, Grandfather Thomas G. Aycock, Uncle Thomas G. Aycock, Jr., Aunt Fay Aycock Riddle, and Cousin Joe Sherwood.

The family would like to thank the staff at Medical City Dallas, Faith Presbyterian Hospice and the many medical professionals who were involved in Daniel’s care throughout the years.

A special thanks and much gratitude to artist and loving friend Kelly O’Neal for the beautiful work he created on Daniel’s casket.

Services will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas at 10am on June 10, 2024 followed by interment in Hillcrest Memorial Park. To view livestreaming of the service, please visit: https://vimeo.com/955331945

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online in Daniel’s honor to John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park in Key Largo, Florida. (www.pennekampparkfriends.org), Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (www.floridakeysfoundation.org) or to the charity of your choice.