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Roll Call Tribute

Howard Decker '44 September 29, 2014 9:34 AM

Published in (San Antonio) Express-News on Sept. 29, 2014

Howard Decker
February 13, 1922 - September 26, 2014
He faithfully served his God, his family, and his alma mater. Howard Elwood Decker peacefully passed Friday, September 26, 2014 at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital surrounded by his family.

Howard Decker was a man of integrity, honor, and kindness. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Howard was born in El Paso, Texas February 13, 1922 to James Wilson Decker and Margaret Evalena (Wagner) Decker. He graduated from El Paso High School in 1939 and had a burning desire to attend Texas A&M. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets graduating in 1944 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

While attending Texas A&M Howard met Helen Gene Haynes, a student at Mary-Hardin Baylor. They were married December 18, 1943.

Howard entered the Army Air Corps during World War II as an Engineering Officer. Following his discharge the family eventually settled in Fort Worth, Texas and had four children. In Fort Worth, Howard founded the commercial mechanical contracting firm of Decker & Roberts.

The family moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1961 where Howard joined Jud Plumbing and Heating Company, later becoming that company's President and Chairman.

Howard's first wife, Gene, passed away in 1969.

In 1971, Howard met Louise (White) Greesen beginning a love story that has endured 42 years. They were married February 12, 1972.

Howard's professional career has been distinguished. He retired from Jud Plumbing and Heating Co. after 33 years and continued to do contract work into his 70's, He is a member of the Academy of Distinguished Graduates from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M. He is a Past President of the Alamo Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and was inducted as a Fellow of the national organization.

Howard and Louise are long-time members of the Northside Church of Christ in San Antonio, where Howard served in many capacities including as a leader of the Men's Wednesday Morning Bible Study. He also served on the Board of Directors of Northside's affiliated Christian Heritage School. Howard and Louise received so much joy and fulfillment over the years from Northside and his friends there.

Howard was predeceased by his half-brothers Charles Thomas Woolverton and Lonnie Earl Woolverton. He is survived by his wife Louise White Decker, his children David Holt Decker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Margaret Love Decker of Carrolton, Texas, Devon Howard Decker of Houston and Dean Everett Decker of San Antonio, and his half-sister Sherry Decker of San Diego, California. He is also survived by his step-children Larry Greesen, Gail Greesen Wilson and Karen Greesen of San Antonio, as well as 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family members.

There will be a Celebration of Howard's Life at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Northside Church of Christ, 19818 Highway 281 North, San Antonio, Texas. The family graveside ceremony will be held that afternoon at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, San Antonio.

The family requests any flowers or donations be sent to Northside Church of Christ.

"Well done my good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com

Arrangements with


Funeral Home
Porter Loring Mortuary - North Location
2102 N. Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 495-8221


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