Neil Edward Decker

Holt, MI

Beloved father, Neil Edward Decker, 81 went to his “happy hunting grounds’ on March 6, 2012 with his daughter Diane by his side. His final days were spent surrounded by dear family and friends. He showed us all such courage and hope and reminded us of his preciousness of life all the way to the end. Neil touched the lives of many with his sense of humor and incredible knowledge of history. He was one to carry on a conversation in any subject. He was a devoted MSU “SiloTech” fan. Born April 5, 1930 in Lansing to Marjorie and Adrian Decker. Neil worked at Warrren Homes Architects in the Olds Tower in Lansing from 1949 to 1951. He attended the University of Detroit in 1951 and while there he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was called to active duty and served in the Korean War from 1952 – 1954 onboard the U.S.S. Warrington as a fire control technician out of Newport, RI. Once discharged he continued his college education from 1954-1959 and majored in engineering. While in college he worked at Ford Motor Co. at the Model T plant in Highland Park as an architectural engineer. Once graduated, he was hired by the State of Michigan as an architectural engineer where he served for 25 years. While employed with the state in 1980 he invented and patented a device designed for Barrier Free Design called the Code Checker. Neil will be lovingly remembered as the beloved husband of the late Sunney Decker; loving father of Diane (Robert A.) Chrisman and Gayle; proud grandpa and great grandpa of numerous grandchildren; dear brother of Phyllis Frericks of Clarkston and fond Uncle Bud to many. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make contributions to the American Heart Assoc., Memorials and Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 or Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 4052 Legacy Parkway, Ste 200, Lansing, MI 48911 in memory of Neil. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all doctors and nurses who have been a part of his life. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com. Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing, MI.