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Murray Decker Obituary
He was born Aug. 10, 1922, in Dover-Foxcroft, the son of Everett and Gertrude (Young) Decker.
In 1947, he went to Bulova School of Watchmaking at Great Chebeague Island, off Portland; he received his General Educational Development diploma at the age of 75; he took a motorcycle class at the age of 79.
He served in the Army, Company B, 716th Tank Battalion, during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater, including New Guinea, Luzon and Mindanao.
He married the former Mary Clark on July 12, 1986, in Anson.
He worked for Mid State Machine in Winslow as a machinist for many years, retiring in 1988. In 1996, he opened Murray's Clock Shop in Madison, retiring in 2006 at the age of 84.
Murray enjoyed sailboats and going sailing, riding his motorcycle, traveling and playing practical jokes. He loved animals and kids.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mary, of Madison; seven children, Patrick Decker and his wife, Betty, of Bucksport, Elwood Decker and his wife, Elizabeth, of Louisiana, Everett Decker and his wife, Heidi, of Maryland, Mary Jane Page and her husband, Joseph, of South China, Gloria Neault and her husband, Richard, of South Portland, Pamela Dawes and her husband, Dennis, of Madison, and David Clark Sr. of Falmouth, Mass.; one brother, Keith Decker of Torrance, Calif.; three sisters, Katherine Merrill Dean and Teresa Pratt, both of Dover-Foxcroft, and Barbara Burrill of Lincoln; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his dog, "Sammy."
He was predeceased by one son, Richard Decker; infant daughter, Ruth Decker; one sister, Ivy Brawn; three brothers, Linwood, Merlin and Derry.
Viewing hours will be held 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. A celebration- of-life service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Crossroads Bible Church, White School House Road, Madison. Burial will occur in the spring at the Sunset Cemetery in North Anson.
Donations may be made in Murray's memory to the Somerset Humane Society, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976 or to one's local food cupboard. 7213915
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Murray Decker
Gloria Clark Neault
January 5, 2010
Murray was loved by everyone in our family. "The boys" - Chris, Jay and Ryan - loved to listen to his military stories - all of his travels in the Pacific. As a youngster, Ryan would rub Murray's crew cut and say "Hi there, Furry Murray!" Murray could be always enticed to camp by the offer of a hot pot of coffee and blackened hotdogs on the grill. He loved being out near the lake - the one where he lost his favorite sailboat (still in the bottom on the pond!) and we were always glad to see him. He had many stories of adventures to tell. Our family will have many fond remembrances of this kind, generous watchmaker and friend. Gloria Clark Neault and Family
Anita Weeks
December 15, 2009
Murray was like an "adopted" Grandfather to me. I believe it was his glowing "reference" that got me the job I have been successful at and love for the past 7+ yrs. :) I remember being nervous about driving all the way from Madison to Belfast for my job interview. Small town girl, never having driven there before. Murray took the day off from work to ride down with me. :) He was a wonderful, kind, funny and loving man. He will be greatly missed. But I know he's singing and dancing in heaven right now. :) My love & condolances to Mary and the rest of the family. <3
December 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 13, 2009
PawwPaww Elwood. We are thinking of you at this time. We love you and are praying for you.
Love, Nikki, Brandy, Hailey, Hope, Julyan, Chris, Ethan, Jacob
Tim Roux
December 12, 2009
Elwood and Pat,
So sorry to her about the passing of your father.
eric decker
December 12, 2009
A great light has left us this day the rays of his joy an love will be the shining light left behind to keep those he loved protected and bathed in the illumination of his memories an love he shared to all of his family far and close to home may he be recieved in the lords house with open arms an welcome hands may he be in peace an keep a watchful eye over us an protect us god rest his soul sadly and greatly missed by all i love you and miss you grampy
marie frederick
December 12, 2009
murray decker family: may god be with you at this time of sorrow.
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