Ronald Decker

Ronald J. Decker Jr, 49, of Goodyear, AZ formerly of Portage, Indiana and Dolton, Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 after a brave 2 year battle with Cancer. He was born on February 15th, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois to Ronald and Barbara Decker Sr. He worked for Hinckley Springs/Sparkletts bottled water for 28 years as a Route Development Manager.  He moved to Arizona in 2001.  During his childhood, he was very active in Boy Scouts with troop #374 from Dolton, IL.  He has visited and seen every state in the country except for 2.  He was proud that he earned the highest honor as an Eagle Scout.  He enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball teams in Little League and lived on the baseball field throughout their High School and College years.  He also coached his daughter’s T-ball team and enjoyed watching her play Volleyball.  He was the guy who was always smiling, laughing and just all around a fun human being. He married his soul mate and best friend on October 1st, 1988. He was a loving husband of 24 years to his wife Beverly and a caring, loving Dad to his 3 children, Matthew, David and Elizabeth.  Loving son of Ron and Barb Decker of Monee, IL.  Loving brother of Ricky (Jennifer) Decker of Michigan City, IN and one sister Pam (Tom) Salutric of Lockport, IL.  Loving son-in-law of MaryAnn Dubow of Sun City, AZ.  Loving brother-in-law of Bob (Rhonda) Dubow of Naperville, IL and Dan Dubow of Bartlett, IL.  Loving and fun Uncle of Amber, Carly, Trevor, Austin, Logan, Bradley, Delaney and Andy.  Loving nephew/cousin to many.  He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Edward Dubow. He never stopped fighting his cancer battle and he will be truly missed by so many and has touched so many hearts in his lifetime.  He was an inspiration to everyone.  He was granted his final wish by Hospice to see his son play ball on the field one more time.  A visitation will be held from 2pm-9pm on Sunday, April 7th at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd in Goodyear.  Mass will be at 10am on Monday, April 8th at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W. Thomas Rd in Avondale. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale. A memorial mass will be held in Chicago, Illinois at a later date to celebrate his life. Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear.