Richard Decker

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Richard Wayne Decker Sr., age 75, of Lamar , MO passed away November 8, 2019, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.

Richard was born October 26, 1944 in St. Louis, MO to Louis Gary Decker and Vurble Moureen (Payton) Decker. On June 12, 1966, Richard married Peggy Sue Bohannon in Matthews, MO, celebrating 53 years of marriage until the time of his passing. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1971 and then served in the National Guard until 1997.

Richard worked as an auto mechanic and there was not a car he could not fix. He also was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed fishing, collecting and shooting guns, loved watching western movies, was a stock car racer and enjoyed building dune buggies from the ground up. He loved drinking coffee with his friends in the morning and was a member in a CB Club with the handle "Speed Buggy". Richard was a simple hardworking man who had a great love for his family and his country.

Survivors include his wife Peggy; a son, Richard Decker, Jr., Lamar, MO; a daughter, Samantha (Richard) Benson, Joplin, MO; three grandchildren, Nathan Alexander Decker, Sara Brooke Benson and Tyler Bryce Benson; a sister Francis (Kenneth) Liggons Campbell, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jimmie Lee Decker and Boyd Louis Decker; a daughter-in-law Audria Donet Decker, and his dog Buddy.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Daniel Funeral Home.

Inurnment will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Fort Scott National Cemetery with full military honors.