Leigh B. Decker

May 15, 1919 - July 16, 2016

Leigh Basil Decker, 97, of Deckerville, passed away on July 16, 2016. Burial took place Monday July 18, Pastor Debbie Brown officiated at a graveside service. A memorial service will be held sometime next summer. Leigh was born in Deckerville on May 15, 1919. He graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit and attended college for a time before he joined the Navy. He was a pilot stationed in Seattle, WA. He survived a plane crash at Amchitka, AK and spent 18 months in hospitals recovering from his burns. Leigh was married to Virginia Kauffman on October 15, 1942. They had 11 children. They were married 67 years before he lost the love of his life in 2010. Leigh owned the Deckerville Feed Mill and also worked as an accountant. He enjoyed fishing with his family and was an avid reader. Some of the best years of his life were spent traveling with Virginia around the country in their motorhome. He had served as treasurer of the Presbyterian Church for many years and was involved with the Lion's Club. He earned the Silver Beaver Award through his leadership with the Boy Scouts. Leigh is survived by his children Jim (Gayle) Decker of East Tawas, Janet (John) Pomann of Belleville, Bill Decker, Sue (Jim) Thill of Missoula, MT, Paul (Jo) Decker of Port Sanilac, Sal (Arnold) DeLeon of Deckerville, Linda (James) Downer of Newport, Ruth (Terry) Burke of Missoula, Mt, Ed (Katie) Decker of Vero Beach, FL. Son-in-law Terry (Judy) Woodard of Port Sanilac, and daughter-in-law Joy (Cameron) Ellsworth of Tuson, AZ. Leigh is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.