KEESEVILLE — Ronald E. Decker, 72, of Church Street, Keeseville, and formerly of State Route 22, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 at the CVPH Medical Center.
He was born in Westport, Feb. 20, 1940, the son of Ray and Peg (Caza) Decker.
Ronnie served in the United States Army from 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1962. During the Berlin Crisis he was stationed in Bamburg.
Ronnie was employed with numerous local companies throughout his life including, Torrington Construction, Clinton County Landfill, AuSable Valley Telephone, and lastly, Fuller Excavating.
He was a lifelong horse enthusiast. Throughout his life he was actively involved with racing, training, and caring for horses. In tribute to his love of horses his casket will be transported to his final resting place on a horse drawn carriage.
He was a member and past master of the AuSable River Lodge #149 F&AM, a member of the former Keeseville Jaycees, longtime member of the Keeseville United Methodist Church and also a member of the Keeseville Elks Lodge # 2072.
Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Roberta Decker whom he married, June 16, 1962 at the Puffer Methodist Church in Morrisville, Vt.; daughters, Raune Anne Hamilton and husband Jay and Ruthie Lynn Cook and husband Steve; grandchildren, Alexis Lynn Hamilton, Zachary Jay Hamilton, Avery May Cook, and Riley Edward Cook; brothers, Ray Decker and wife Elizabeth, Roger Decker, Richard Decker and wife Carrie, Russ Decker and Reginald Decker; sisters, Reginia Westover and husband Jim, Rena Dickenson and Rowena Albert; brothers-in-law, Richard McArthur and wife Marilyn; and many special nieces and nephews of multiple generations.
He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Robert Decker and Ralph Decker.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. Members of the AuSable River Lodge will meet at the funeral home for a 6:30 p.m. service.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 at the Keeseville United Methodist Church with Rev. Edie A. Poland, pastor, officiating. Military honors will follow in the Church. Committal prayers and burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Keeseville.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, VT Chapter APDA, PO Box 757, Williston, Vt. 05495 or the Keeseville United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 1699 Front Street, Keeseville, N.Y. 12944.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru.
To light an on line candle and offer condolences in the memory of Ronnie Decker please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com 643-9055
