Douglas David Decker, 72, of Menard, Texas, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on May 5, 2025. He was born August 8, 1952, in San Angelo, Texas. He split his time between Texas and the paradise of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, in his retirement.
Doug grew up and graduated Menard High School in 1971 and was named “Most Popular.” He cherished his time working alongside his family in the Decker’s Highway 83 Grocery Store. As an oilfield chemical salesman, he built a rewarding career marked by the relationships that became lifelong friendships.
Doug was known for his warm heart and affectionate nature towards his friends and family, including his stepchildren he embraced as his own. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in the country. He found adventure in taking road trips and was an excellent dancer.
A true sports enthusiast, Doug could often be found on the golf course or by the water, fishing. When he wasn't actively participating, he enjoyed the thrill of betting on his favorite teams. The holidays were never complete without watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and gifting lottery tickets to his family. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, especially a good home-cooked meal and a bowl of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Throughout his life, he was a devoted Catholic, a faith that deeply influenced his generous spirit and loving nature.
In 2015, Doug faced the challenge of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In 2016, he received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from a selfless donor in Germany. This incredible gift and the grace of God allowed him to experience the joy of retirement in Costa Rica, where he made friends that became family.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lou Emma Decker. He is survived by his daughter, Randi Decker Riley and her husband RJ, stepdaughter, Meghan Kauten and her husband Nick, stepson, Jon Paul Dennison and his wife Crystal, and his grandchildren, Landon and Taylor Kauten, Parker, Duncan, Elliott, and Windsor Dennison. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan Stokes and her husband Wade, Larry Decker and his wife Mary, Lisa Decker, Judy Harris and her husband Marshall, as well as many loved nieces and nephews.
The Rosary and viewing will be held at the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Menard on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will take place at the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., immediately followed by burial at Rest Haven Cemetery. Everyone is invited back to the church hall for an ice cream reception.
In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to consider becoming a bone marrow donor through the National Marrow Donor Program. Donations can also be made in Doug's memory to the Menard Public Library or St. Gabriel's Hospice.