Neil P. Decker

NEIL P. DECKER MAY 1941 - OCT 2009 Neil Philip Decker ~ 68 of Turlock, passed away at home, with his wife by his side. Neil was born in Dillon, Montana to Paul and Margaret Decker. Neil left Montana at the age of 14, with his family, and at 17, he joined the Navy, serving 2 full tours in Vietnam. Neil served his country for 8 years. After discharging from the military, Neil began working for Cushman Construction, and then moved on to various semi conductor industries. Neil met the love of his life Ruth Jones in 1971, and just four months later they were married, welcoming the birth of their first child in 1972. Neil received a BA in business from UCSF in the late 70's. They later moved to New Mexico, where he attended University of New Mexico, and completed his Masters and received an EDS in Multicultural Education. Neil taught school in New Mexico for two years, before moving back to California in 1999, where he taught school in the Cambrian School District for one year. In 2000 Neil settled in Turlock, where he has been a teacher at Roselawn Continuation High School, until he was recently forced into retirement from his rapid failing health. Neil loved the children he worked with, he had a stern hand and a sense of humor to back it up. Neil loved his family, and was a sports fanatic. He also had a love of airplanes, and one can not forget his love for his animals. Neil is survived by his loving wife Ruth Decker of Turlock, his children Joseph C. Gomez, Daniel Ruben Gomez both of Angels Camp, CA and Matthew Glenn Decker of Oakland; siblings David Decker of Turlock, Paula Cushman and Carl Decker both of San Jose and Hazel Decker of Gilroy; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The graveside service will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 20th at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Amador Stars P.O. Box 208 Jackson, CA 95642 or American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Please share your memories at www.modbee.com/obituaries www.allenmortuary.com.