Sam Decker, Sr.

Forest Samuel Decker, Sr. age 75, known as Sam, was born August 9, 1946, to Forest Glen and Etta Kathleen (Bardwell) Decker in Decatur County, Iowa. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home outside of Unionville, Missouri on Sunday, June 12, 2022.

Sam grew up and attended school at Leon, Iowa. He served in the United States Navy from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1967. He returned to Iowa and made Newton his home while he was doing an apprenticeship to become a journeyman lineman. It was there he met his future wife, Sherrie Kay Verwers. They were married on May 11, 1968, in Newton. They were blessed with two sons, Forest Samuel “Sam” and Shane. Sam worked for Amerin in Illinois for 17 years. After living in various locations in Iowa they settled at Unionville, Missouri in 2003. He retired in 2007.

In his free time, Sam enjoyed turkey and deer hunting, fishing, and trapping bobcats. His favorite times were spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to tinker, do some farm work, and watch Iowa State University basketball.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and brother, Bill Goin. Survivors include his wife, Sherrie Decker of Unionville, Missouri; sons, Sam Decker, Jr. and wife, Nicky of Kansas City, Missouri and Shane Decker and wife, Jenny of Banner, Illinois; five grandchildren, Bailey and husband, Alan, Jackson, Brynlee, Hannah, and Addison; siblings, Andy Decker and wife, Vicky of Corydon, Iowa and Benjamin Decker and wife, Karen of Smithville, Missouri; and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Slade – O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 1 p.m. with Andy Decker officiating. Burial will be at a later date.