Jack Gard Decker, age 74, of Trufant, passed away Sunday evening, June 19, 2005 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids. The son of Gard Chase & Hazel May (Hansen) Decker, he was born on Feb. 18, 1931 in Greenville. After graduating from Greenville High School with the class of 1948, he served with the U.S. Navy. While stationed with the U.S. Navy in Hawaii, he joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served as post commander there. When he returned home, he joined the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101 in Greenville. After attending Grand Rapids Junior College, he began a lifetime career in the tool and die trade, starting at Greenville Tool & Die, then with Hodges, Proos Manufacturing, and retired as Chief Engineer from Corduroy Rubber Co. in Grand Rapids. He came out of retirement for three years working as plant operations manager with Jedco Inc., also in Grand Rapids. In retirement, Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and the mother of his three children, Dolores Violet (Petersen) Decker. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Westly & Shelly Decker of Gowen, and Michael & Lillie Decker of Rockford; a daughter, Tara Decker of Rockford; three grandchildren, Luke & Sara Decker, Amy Decker, & Chase Decker; and his dear friend, Joyce Price of Greenville.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2005 at the Brown-Teman & Christiansen Funeral Home, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, with the Rev. Dr. Harry R. Johnson, pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Private interment will be in Little Denmark Cemetery, Gowen. Visitation is Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of ones choice.